Erin Turner went to college to study speech pathology.  Turns out her path took a different direction.  Happily for the folks in Oklahoma who run MetroShoe Warehouse, our Original Retro Brand Retailer of the Month for June, Erin's path led to their door where she's worked her way up from a sales associate to buyer extraordinaire.

Andy:  How long have you been with MSW, and tell us about your aforementioned progression to your current buyer position?

Erin:  I've been with the company for twelve years, and I've seen the company grow immensely in that time.  I've been fortunate to have worked on the sales floor and learn the business on many levels.  My main role today is managing the e-commerce side with a focus on women's accessories and apparel.  The progression was just natural for me because I've always believed strongly in the store concepts, products and promotions, and have been on board with the program since day one.  I love it.

Andy:  Since "Shoe" is part of the store name, I assume that is the main part of your business? 

Erin: Yes, obviously shoes have always been an important part of the business and remain so today.  However, our apparel side has exploded in both of our locations and online in a very short time, and is complimenting our footwear business beautifully.  Even though MSW has been in business for fourteen years, they actually began selling apparel just three years ago!

BUSINESS IS BOOMING.

Andy:  That's fantastic, and we certainly wouldn't be having this conversation if the explosion didn't take place!  Do the two locations battle it out for school supremacy, so to speak - the Oklahoma Sooners at the Norman location , and the Oklahoma State Cowboys gear in Oklahoma City?

Erin:  Not exactly.  Seems like the bulk of the biz booms with OU, as in "Boomer-Sooner."  I'd say it's roughly an 80-20 split in favor of the Sooners at both locations.  That's not to say we don't do a brisk business for the Cowboys as well.

Andy: We're just glad to know business is booming, regardless.  Did you notice the Oklahoma City Thunder are in the NBA Western Conference Finals?  Has that helped put a boom in the biz as well?

Erin:  Haha... oh yes, I'm well aware.  The support for the Thunder has been incredible all season long, and it's been so much fun and exciting to feel the buzz and pulse of the fans through the stores.  The city has fully embraced them, and we have a hard time keeping inventory on the shelves I'm happy to report.

Andy:  I kind of figured that would be case, and wish them luck the rest of the way.  I do want to get back to your college business and Original Retro Brand in particular.  How does our brand effect your buying decisions?

Erin: First of all I should tell you the relationship we have with Original Retro Brand is simply amazing and awesome - we love you guys.  The bulk of our collegiate business is with your brand for good reason, and makes my buying decisions easy.  I love the variety of fashion pieces and the quality is unmatched, period.  We also really enjoy teaming up with you for frequent unique promotions and advertising  opportunities.

Andy:  Thanks for the kind words Erin, and of course the feeling is mutual!

If you're in the Oklahoma City or Norman, Oklahoma vicinities, please visit one of the MetroShoe Warehouse locations.  You can also find them online @ www.metroshoewarehouse.com

2240 W. Memorial Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
405-302-5150

Store Hours
Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 11 p.m.-6 p.m.

1806 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069
405-321-6544

Store Hours
Monday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday 11 p.m.-6 p.m.