Recently I had to accompany a friend on a mission to buy a pair of shoes, it was an emergency you understand, nothing to go with a particular dress for that evenings function.

Off we whizzed and the first shop we came to was Clark's. I haven't been in Clarks for ages and it was full of flustered Mums and kids trying on new term shoes. This was a waste of time I though, however, at the door a pleasant greeter gave us a 20% off discount - for adults only. Umm! my friends eyes lit up as she made a beeline for the killer heels. In the ladies department we were met with a smile and a greeting by a member of staff who left us to browse whilst all the time keeping us in sight to help if necessary.

The chosen shoes were with us in a flash and the young salesman was attentive without being pushy when the purchase decision had been made he quickly whipped out two matching handbags (already brought with the shoes and left behind the chair.) Wow! Top marks, although my friend declined. Then when we got to the counter to pay he brought out shoe presses and the obligatory shoe cream whilst discussing the benefits of each. Ha! an add on sale was achieved because my friend took the shoe presses. Bravo!

The charming salesman took time to say goodbye to us and we left with a smile on our faces. Give him a rise. What an experience. Whoever is teaching the Clark's sales team is doing a brilliant job. There are lessons to be learnt here.

PS My friend looked a million dollars in her shoes, she couldn't walk in them, only totter, but hey who cares. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices. This Clarks experience prompted a new article Sales Diva or Disaster. Read it now.