The
High
Energy
Shoe
Store
The
High
Energy
Shoe
Store
Table of Contents
H – HIGH-ENERGY LEADERSHIP ON THE SELLING FLOOR (see article here)
How the owner or manager’s visible energy sets the tone for the entire store.
Key angles:
• Why staff mirror your mood, body language, and pace
• How to be “present on the floor” without micromanaging
• Simple habits: greeting customers out loud, noticing wins, and modeling great service
I – IGNITING DAILY HUDDLES AND SHIFT LAUNCHES (see article here)
Turn sleepy openings into high-energy launch pads.
Key angles:
• Five-minute morning huddles that actually help (focus, goal, one tip)
• Using yesterday’s numbers to energize today, not to shame people
• Micro-practice: one quick product story or fit tip per huddle
G – GAMIFYING SALES, ADD-ONS, AND ACCESSORIES (see article here)
Use simple, fun games to drive behavior without turning your store into a circus.
Key angles:
• Low-budget contests: socks-per-ticket, insoles-per-ticket, second-pair challenges
• Tracking friendly competition on a whiteboard where everyone can see it
• How to keep games positive so nobody feels punished
H – HIRING AND ONBOARDING FOR ENERGY (see article here)
Bring in people who naturally add spark to the store.
Key angles:
• Interview questions that reveal energy, curiosity, and attitude
• Onboarding that makes new hires feel part of something exciting by Day One
• Pairing new hires with your “high energy” role models, not your cynics
_____________________________________________________________
E – ENERGIZING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE (see article here)
Every step of the visit either adds energy or drains it.
Key angles:
• The first 10 seconds: greeting, eye contact, and body posture
• The fitting process as a performance: confidence, pacing, and enthusiasm
• High-energy goodbyes that increase the chance of a return visit and referrals
N – NURTURING A CULTURE OF POSITIVE ACCOUNTABILITY (see article here)
Energy goes up when expectations are clear and fair.
Key angles:
• Setting clear daily and weekly expectations for each role
• Turning “didn’t happen” conversations into coaching, not combat
• Recognizing effort and improvement, not just top-line results
E – ELEVATING PERFORMANCE WITH COACHING, NOT CRITICISM (see article here)
Use coaching moments to lift energy instead of crushing it.
Key angles:
• How to give immediate, specific feedback on the selling floor
• The “one thing to try next time” coaching style
• Monthly one-on-ones that energize, not dread-inducing evaluations
R – RECHARGING YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM (AVOIDING BURNOUT) (see article here)
You can’t have HIGH ENERGY on an empty tank.
Key angles:
• Owner self-care: sleep, time away from the store, clear thinking time
• Managing schedules to avoid burning out your best people
• Short in-store “reset” routines between customers or rushes
G – GENERATING BUZZ WITH EVENTS AND COMMUNITY (see article here)
Use energy to pull people into the store, not just wait for them.
Key angles:
• Vendor events, trunk shows, and theme weekends that feel lively, not forced
• Partnering with local health professionals, gyms, and community groups
• How to turn event photos and stories into ongoing social media energy
Y – YEAR-ROUND MOMENTUM: TURNING PEAKS INTO A STEADY CLIMB (see article here)
Keep energy and performance up when it isn’t “busy season.”
Key angles:
• Building a simple annual energy calendar: key promotions and focus themes
• Post-peak routines to review, learn, and reset goals
• How to avoid the “January slump” and other slow-season energy crashes