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High-end shoe seller stays one step ahead

Recognized worldwide, Shoe Fair has cornered the market for high quality Italian-made shoes, and they've created some pretty big shoes to fill for their competitors.

Persnickety shoe shoppers, watch out. Shoe Fair got you covered. Shoe Fair imports all of their shoes directly from Italy. In fact, many of their brands are not offered anywhere in the United States. This is a far cry from many of his competitors who obtain their inventory from local department store leftovers. Shoe Fair co-owner and cofounder Alexander (part of a husband and wife duo) explains why there is such a demand for the shoes they sell.

"It's all a matter of taste. For many of my customers, certain styles of shoes serve as a status symbol. And they understand that shoes made in Italy are remarkably handcrafted with utmost care and an impeccable fashion sense. Sure, competitors can charge less because their stock comes from neighborhood stores. But it's like comparing an oil painting to a print out from a printer. You get what you pay for."

Shoe Fair is not only a hit in the U.S. Its popularity extends to Europe and Asia as well, especially since Italian-made shoes sellout quickly in both places. Either way, Alexander handles customs for his customers, which is a big selling point for international buyers.

Shoe Fair's repeat customers play a large role in this shoe seller's success. They appreciate the detailed product photos provided by Shoe Fair, which help give buyers clear expectations for what they're purchasing. Photographs are shot in-house, and their library contains over 40,000 pictures. Alexander provides a couple more reasons why shoppers keep coming back.

"Buyers of high quality products deserve high quality customer service. We take returns, no questions asked. Also, Shoe Fair targets shoppers looking for one or two of the top brands. So we usually carry exactly what our clientele's looking for, and they are not disappointed."
Alexander began selling occasionally on eBay in 1999 but was mainly a buyer. It wasn't until 2005 that he left the field of importing and exporting construction materials and started his shoe business. Now he and his wife run the company's operation fulltime from a modest office, including a considerably large warehouse.
"Sure, competitors can charge less because their stock comes from neighborhood stores. But it's like comparing an oil painting to a print out from a printer. You get what you pay for."
-Shoe Fair

Forging ahead in style
Shoe fair will continue to increase its inventory and expand into more markets. Also, look for them to continue to stay one step ahead of the competition.