I’ve been recently shopping at Shoes and sox for my toddler. Purchased two pairs of shoes for him first time at store in chadstone, very warmly welcomed and supported by a female staff there who helped us with sizing as well.
Today, I was desperately chasing for a pair of summer shoes given us traveling overseas in few days. I went to your store in southland (Westfield), hoping to be assisted by staff, similar to my first experience. As soon as we walked in to store, my toddler started crying, I think he was scared if he needed to have sizing again. Given that I recently bought shoes with recent sizing, we didn’t need that part. Hence, I quickly found the summer shoes (crocs) that I was looking for. When I called for help, the staff over there turned her back and while being dismissive. I tried to call her few times, as other staff were busy with providing service to other customers. Eventually my toddler walked out, while following him I told that staff that I wish she could have helped me with giving me the proper size and then we could have left with our new pair of shoes. In response, she showed such an attitude while telling me that “you need to take your son out, calm him down and then come back!”. She was loud enough that others heard her too. Given my job, working as a doctor and psychiatrist, also being a proud mom of a toddler, I am not so unfamiliar with how to look after my son or manage his tantrums. All I told her was that “thank you for telling me what to do, but be mindful that toddlers have tantrums, and I expected some help and support in a kid’s store like yours “. She didn’t even consider a simple apology and repeated herself that I needed to take my son out and come back later! I asked her name and she proudly showed me while yelling her name “ITS SHARON!”
I left the store while thinking of her absolutely inappropriate behavior that would not be accepted from anyone particularly a staff of stores related to children like Shoes and Sox. We all have been stressed due to COVID era and relevant consequences so these approaches would surely exacerbate our community further.

The staff at Shoes & Socks Kids Shoes put their priorities where as a parent you want them to - the kids first. They are all incredibly friendly and engaging with my children and they are more than happy - in fact they suggest - for any one to come in and just get the kids feet size checked. I have been in a few times with an existing pair of shoes for my son and they have fitted him, checked the shoes i have brought in and told me that his fit is fine, he has not grown out of the shoes and that i do not have to get him a new pair.

They are not about the hard sell, they are genuinely interesting in making sure that the shoes my children have are the right ones for their feet.

The range of shoes is also very extensive and the staff have a good knowledge of the quality of each brand they stock. They also often have a table of shoes that are on special for one reason or another. They also have from time to time a buy one, get a second pair half off promotion. I have found the staff are quite happy to search their stock for the right pair of shoes to meet my budget.

I have never felt pressured to buy shoes there or buy a more expensive shoe than i feel is needed or than i can afford.