For many shoe shoppers, Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept can seem like indistinguishable big box footwear chains. However, when you take a closer look, there are some significant differences between these two major retailers in terms of store formats, brand offerings, selection, and overall shopping experience.
This comprehensive guide will breakdown how Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept stack up across all key metrics so you can determine the best option for your footwear needs. Whether you‘re looking for running shoes for marathon training or comfortable pumps for the office, one of these stores likely has you covered.
A Brief History of Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept
First, let‘s take a quick look at the background of each footwear chain. This will help provide context on how they evolved into their present-day store formats and brand focuses.
Shoe Show Mega has its origins in Shoe Show, founded in 1960 by the Robinson family in Kannapolis, NC. After establishing a strong southeastern US presence, the company opened the first Shoe Show Mega in 1997 to test a larger, warehouse-style prototype. It proved successful, and over 150 more mega stores followed.
Shoe Dept has an even longer heritage, tracing back to 1889 as a small shoe store in Boston. Expanding westward, they opened their first California stores in the 1950s. The company was renamed Shoe Pavilion in the 1980s before transitioning to Shoe Dept Encore in 2013. Through various names, they focused on mainstream casual and dress shoes.
As of 2022, Shoe Show Mega has around 170 stores across 26 states, while Shoe Dept has about 150 stores in 30 states. Both run ecommerce operations, but the bulk of their revenues still flows from brick-and-mortar store sales.
Contrasting Store Size and Layouts
Now let‘s compare the key differences in physical store formats between Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept. This impacts the overall shopping environment, selection, and inventory capabilities.
Shoe Show Mega locations average over 10,000 square feet. Many stores are 15,000 square feet or larger. The massive floorspace allows them to showcase around 35,000 pairs of shoes on display at once.
Meanwhile, Shoe Dept stores are typically just 2,500 square feet in size. Their inventory is also far smaller, with around 5,000 pairs of shoes on hand in a typical location.
With its cavernous warehouses, Shoe Show Mega has high ceilings with tall shelving units in a grid layout. The premises allow for wide central aisles and separate sections by brand or category. Given the huge selection, finding specific styles may require more hunting.
Shoe Dept‘s smaller footprint means lower ceilings and shelves along the walls, with some central displays. The layout makes browsing easier as all selections are closer together. But it limits total on-hand inventory.
The Shoe Show Mega format enables significantly larger volumes of footwear to be stocked across sizes, widths and categories. Shoe Dept compensates for less on-site selection with quicker replenishment of top selling models.
Brands and Products Carried
When it comes to specific shoe brands carried, Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept have mostly distinctive focuses. There is some overlap on certain major labels, but their brand portfolios cater to different shopper needs.
Shoe Show Mega prioritizes major athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, Skechers, Under Armour, New Balance. For example, a typical location may carry around 150 Nike styles at once across categories like running, training, basketball and lifestyle.
Shoe Dept locations have very limited selection from the major athletic players. Instead, they focus efforts on traditional comfort and fashion brands like Naturalizer, Life Stride, Easy Spirit, Dr. Scholl‘s. Dress options from brands like Anne Klein and Nine West are also prominently featured.
In terms of own brands, Shoe Show Mega has exclusive labels like Evolv, Rugged Bear, Dexflex Comfort, and Mix No. 6. These span athleisure, outdoor, work, and casual styles.
Shoe Dept‘s private brands include Laura Hart, Emeril Kelly, Big Ben, and Paris Blues. These are focused on fashionable women‘s dress and casual looks.
Both retailers offer accessories like socks, bags, and shoe care items. But Shoe Show Mega dedicates more space to accessories from major athletic brands to support their sports-focused shoe selection.
Catering to Wide Sizes and Widths
One unique strength of Shoe Show Mega is the wide range of extra wide sizes and widths it stocks. This makes it a top destination for anyone needing shoes beyond the average dimensions.
Shoe Show Mega carries men‘s athletic and casual styles up to size 17 and women‘s shoes up to sizes 14-15. Their width offerings extend up to 5E for extra wide fits.
In athletic shoes like Nike, Adidas and Skechers, they stock extended sizes and widths across many performance and lifestyle models. The big and wide selection includes dressier looks as well.
While Shoe Dept carries some extended sizes, their inventory is limited compared to Shoe Show Mega. They may only go up to men‘s 14 or women‘s 12 in any given style. The few wide width options rarely go beyond 2E or 4E.
So for shoppers that need shoes beyond the standard "medium" width and size 12 in women‘s and size 14 in men‘s, Shoe Show Mega is the clear choice. Their warehouse format allows space for a truly inclusive big and wide selection.
Pricing and Promotions
In terms of regular everyday pricing and sales promotions, both chains aim to be cost leaders on the footwear carried in their stores. Discounts and deals help drive customer traffic and purchases.
Shoe Show Mega uses their buying power to offer low prices on athletic brands every day. For example, Nike Air Force 1s may be priced around $79.99 – $89.99 rather than $100+ as found on Nike.com.
During sales events, prices can dip even lower. A recent promotion offered Adidas Ultraboost shoes for $69.99 that retailed for $130 on Adidas‘ website.
At Shoe Dept, regular prices on brands like Naturalizer pumps may be $39.99 – $59.99 versus $80+ on the Naturalizer site. Special BOGO (buy one, get one 50% off) sales can bring costs down further.
Both stores offer discounted prices thanks to the volumes they purchase. Shoe Show Mega‘s rock bottom pricing on athletics gives them an edge with budget-minded sports shoe shoppers.
Geographic Footprints
In terms of store locations, Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept have a presence across many of the same states, especially in the South, Midwest and West. However, Shoe Show Mega has a stronger overall store count in their key markets.
Shoe Show Mega has over 60 stores in Texas, 40 in Florida, 30 in Georgia, Missouri and North Carolina each and 25+ in states like California, Louisiana and Ohio. Expanding northward, new Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York stores have opened.
Meanwhile, Shoe Dept has around 30 stores in California, 20 in Texas and Illinois, 15 in Florida and 10-15 in states like Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Recently more locations have launched in Colorado, Oklahoma and other southern states.
So there is definite geographic overlap, but Shoe Show Mega currently has the edge in states like Texas and Florida in particular due to their wider store count. But Shoe Dept remains strong in western markets like California.
Ecommerce Capabilities
When it comes to online shopping experiences, both Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept offer ecommerce sites to complement their brick-and-mortar stores. However, there are limitations to the digital experience for each.
Shoe Show Mega‘s website at Shoeshowmega.com allows online browsing and ordering of shoes. However, the selection is limited compared to what is carried in stores. Many unique or exclusive styles are only available in-store.
Shoe Dept‘s ecommerce platform at Shoedept.com has a larger online catalog that mirrors in-store inventory more closely. But the search and filtering tools are not as robust, making finding styles challenging at times.
For the widest selections, visiting stores in-person is still ideal for both retailers. But Shoe Dept‘s site provides greater convenience for basic online shoe shopping when a store visit isn‘t possible.
Shopping Experiences: Shoe Show Mega vs. Shoe Dept
Now let‘s compare the overall shopping experience between the two chains. The warehouse environment of Shoe Show Mega complements their massive selections but can be overwhelming. Shoe Dept provides a more intimate, easier to navigate store despite the smaller product range.
The sprawling Shoe Show Mega layout means shoppers need to be prepared to walk through the entire store to see everything. Given the deep inventory, locating specific models involves scanning multiple aisles and displays. However, employees are usually readily available to assist customers in finding items.
Trying on shoes is facilitated through the "mega seats" placed around the store. These are benches with storage cubbies for multiple shoe boxes as shoppers test different styles and sizes.
At Shoe Dept, the smaller footprint makes seeing everything quicker with all selections centrally located. But the compact space also limits total on-hand inventory. Trying on shoes is done at seats along the walls rather than open benches throughout the store. Staff may be busier and interactions more transactional.
Ultimately, Shoe Show Mega provides endless selection for exploration, if you have time to dedicate. Shoe Dept offers less inventory but a faster, more convenient experience.
Which Retailer is Best For You?
Now that we‘ve compared Shoe Show Mega and Shoe Dept across all major metrics, how do you decide which retailer is a better fit for your footwear needs?
Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
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Are you mainly looking for major athletic brands like Nike, Adidas or Under Armour? If so, Shoe Show Mega is likely the better destination.
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Do you prefer styles from comfort brands like Easy Spirit or Naturalizer? Then you‘ll have better luck browsing the Shoe Dept selection.
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Need extended sizes or widths? Shoe Show Mega is the top choice for wide or large fit shoes, especially in athletic styles.
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Seeking discounted prices on national brands? Shoe Show Mega provides lower everyday pricing on sports brands.
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Want easy in-store navigation and convenience? Shoe Dept‘s smaller stores are simpler to shop.
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Like to browse large selections and hunt for deals? Shoe Show Mega‘s massive inventory means more potential finds.
You should also consider the locations closest to where you live or frequent most. Having an easily accessible store can make buying shoes quicker and simpler. Do online research to find specific stores near you.
And of course, budget is key. Both chains offer significant discounts, but preview their latest sales and deals to find the best values on your must-have styles and brands.
Who Does Shoe Retailing Best?
In the battle of the footwear chains, there‘s no single winner. Shoe Show Mega dominates the high volume, discounted athletic shoe space. Shoe Dept remains strong in affordable dress and casual styles.
For serious sneakerheads or workout enthusiasts, Shoe Show Mega‘s endless aisles full of Nike, Adidas and other giants is shoe heaven. The expansive big and wide sizes selections add to the appeal.
Fashionistas who love browsing cozy sandals to complement their outfits will enjoy Shoe Dept‘s curated offerings of comfort brands and private label looks. The convenient store layout also enables quicker shopping.
Ultimately, these two major retailers each excel in their own niches while providing surprisingly different overall experiences. Knowing their specialities now, you can shop smarter based on your footwear wants and needs. Just don‘t assume they are interchangeable – remember the key contrasts highlighted in this guide!
