“If you do build a great experience, customers tell each other about that. Word-of-mouth is very powerful.” - Henry Ford
The experiences we receive while shopping are just as important as the products we purchase. The ability to see and touch the items and receive input from well-trained, knowledgable staff is something that simply cannot be duplicated by shopping online. The shoe business has seen some dramatic shifts over the decades - whether it's been big-box stores offering self-service off-the-rack shopping, or online shopping. The thing about shoes, though, is that many people still value the traditional sit-and-fit stores and appreciate the unprecedented service and experience they offer. Today we want to shout out kudos to one of the best!
Tops for Shoes in Asheville, North Carolina is one of those stores that has stood the test of time, and for very good reason. Walking Cradles is very proud to be one of the brands offered at Tops, and we are excited about our upcoming trunk show on Friday, April 29. We had a chance to catch up with the fine folks at Tops to tell us more about this shopping gem at 27 N. Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville NC.
An interior shot of the 30,000 square foot Tops for Shoes store.
HAS TOPS ALWAYS BEEN IN THIS LOCATION?
Tops has always been in the same location. Its predecessor had a different name.
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?
Tops has been in business since 1960.
GIVE US A LITTLE HISTORY OF THE STORE.
Tops was started by Mr. and Mrs Resnikoff who recognized a need in the Asheville area. The business was passed on to their daughter Ellen Carr and her husband Bob. Mr. and Mrs. Carr bought several surrounding buildings and expanded from 3,000 to over 30,000 square feet. Alex Carr is the current CEO and is the third generation of owners from the Resnikoff/ Carr family.
Tops for Shoes - in the early years
WHAT HAS CHANGED THE MOST IN THE FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY OVER THE YEARS?
The footwear industry has changed in many ways. Service will always be a big part of our business but there are very few stores that still provide customer service. Sizes and widths have become more difficult to find. When I started in the business we were able to find very narrow and wide widths in many brands.
IS THERE ANYTHING THAT HASN’T CHANGED?
Tops has continued to be a full service store.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MAIN REASON CUSTOMERS CHOOSE YOUR STORE OVER BUYING THEIR SHOES ELSEWHERE?
The main reason customers choose us is our very knowledgeable staff, service and selection.
The friendly, knowledgable staff at Tops for Shoes are ready to help!
TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HAVING WALKING CRADLES AS ONE OF THE BRANDS OFFERED AT TOPS.
Walking Cradles are a great fit for Tops for Shoes because we specialize in sizes and widths. Walking Cradles provide us with the sizes, widths, and quality that we strive to give our customers. Couple that with our service and it is the perfect partnership.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE CUSTOMERS REGARDING SHOE SHOPPING?
My advice to customers would be to shop at a sit and fit shoe store and to shop early. Sandals come in during the winter and boots arrive during the summer.
In reading reviews about Tops for Shoes, their customers have some very nice things to say about their experiences. Here are just a few:
"The main thing that makes Tops special is the personnel. They hire a lot of employees, which is good because the place is always packed, and from what I can see, each one of them works very hard." This is from a customer who says she makes a point of visiting Tops every time she comes to town.
Another customer from San Diego says she also goes to Tops every time she visits Asheville. "The selection of men’s and women’s shoes on the first floor includes a wide selection of brands and styles from super casual to dressy, boots, heels, flip flops, sandals and every day walking shoes."
This customer and his wife just decided to drop in. "All I can say is WOW!!! This is the true definition of what a shoe store should be. Really, it is like the ones that we had growing up. My wife and I were just walking around and decided to stop in. The store was laid out so well and everyone was very helpful."
With Walking Cradles being a brand that still offers multiple size and width shoes, the partnership we have with Tops is a perfect fit! Since 2004, we have had the pleasure of being one of the reputable brands that the Carr's trust to be in their store, and we are very grateful for this relationship.
On Friday, April 29, Walking Cradles will be hosting a trunk show at Tops for Shoes. Bill Sproull will be there to introduce new styles for Spring '22 and answer any questions about Walking Cradles. Be sure to stop in and try on a pair - you'll get your name entered into a drawing and one lucky winner will receive a free pair of Walking Cradles shoes! We hope you can join us!
You can visit Tops online store here or follow them on Facebook.
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