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Here's one way to fight the browse in-store, buy online trend

December 12, 2010 by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

… just not a very good way. Downright terrible, in fact.

Consumerist got a tip on a specialty dancewear and shoe store that is sick and tired of people coming in, trying on shoes, and then leaving to purchase them online. So how is this retailer fighting back? By charging a $20 fee for trying on shoes and not buying them.

And if the commenters in that thread are to be believed, this is a phenomenon that evidently isn't uncommon in dancewear stores. (Enthusiastic non-dancer here, not able to offer perspective on that one.)

This is obviously a bad idea, from just about every imaginable angle. It creates ill will. It makes the store management look like jerks. And it calls attention to the fact that the same shoes are available online, for less.

So let's put the question to you: How would you solve this problem, if you're this small retailer? What would you do differently?

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