All this talk about drag queens reminded me of the time I managed a women's shoe store in the early 80's. My location was right across the street from a cabaret that had an all male revue on Thursday nights. Basically a bunch of guys singing and dancing in evening gowns and heels. So, it wasn't unusual to run across a guy in my store attempting to secretly try on women's shoes.
Well this one day, when I encountered such a fellow, he made the usual excuse, that he was buying shoes for his girlfriend. Mind you, all I said was good morning, but back then guys felt compelled to make up an excuse for why they were in a woman's shoe store alone. Now that particular store use to be a department store and had a large backroom, including a carpeted area separate from the main sales floor. So I told the guy, "Hey look, if you want some privacy, I've got a room in the back you can use." I showed it to him, told him to tell his friends and left him to it.
By the end of the following week, on any given day I had half dozen guys in the back, drinking coffee and walking around in heels! Great customers too. Women's shoes are designed for women's feet, so these guys required new shoes quite often.. Ca-ching!
Well this one day, when I encountered such a fellow, he made the usual excuse, that he was buying shoes for his girlfriend. Mind you, all I said was good morning, but back then guys felt compelled to make up an excuse for why they were in a woman's shoe store alone. Now that particular store use to be a department store and had a large backroom, including a carpeted area separate from the main sales floor. So I told the guy, "Hey look, if you want some privacy, I've got a room in the back you can use." I showed it to him, told him to tell his friends and left him to it.
By the end of the following week, on any given day I had half dozen guys in the back, drinking coffee and walking around in heels! Great customers too. Women's shoes are designed for women's feet, so these guys required new shoes quite often.. Ca-ching!
