Columnist Muriel Stevens: For shoes, slip into warehouse

Wednesday, May 22, 2002 | 8:22 a.m.

The current issue of Lucky magazine, a monthly devoted to shopping, offers a story that it calls "a double dose of shoes," but anyone passionate about shoes can find a tenfold more sole-satisfying experience at the new DSW Shoe Warehouses.

I visited the first DSW in the Best of the West shopping center at Lake Mead and Rainbow boulevards shortly after it opened. On May 17 a second warehouse store opened in Henderson near the Costco on Marks Street, just up the street from Sunset Station. Since it was opening weekend the store was very busy.

Never have I seen so many shoes displayed in one store. Interiors, with industrial ceilings and plenty of open space, continue the warehouse effect. DSW stores are simple, well lit and pleasant clones. The best time to shop is when the stores open at 10 a.m.

According to a young man who was keeping everything tidy -- replacing boxes, shoring up the stock under the shoe displays and restoring the order -- restocking is done after the stores close. It takes time, patience and stamina to shop these stores. Unless shoppers are familiar with DSW (there are stores in many cities), it's best to make a complete run through the many aisles.

There are no shopping carts, but sizeable black mesh tote bags are offered at the entrance. The bags will hold at least four shoe boxes. Resist the temptation to take only the shoes. There are no refunds on shoes returned without the box and sales check; a credit will be issued, so save that sales slip.

Most of the shoes are arranged according to style, not price. Selection in every category is enormous, but that does not mean that the shoe you like can be found in the size you want. Shoppers with small feet or large will find a much larger choice than those with average-size feet (7 to 9).

At the back of each store are many sales racks with shoes that have been greatly reduced. Sizes and styles are limited, but the prices are terrific. Among the many name brands are Clark's of England, Dockers, Easy Spirit, Fila, Skechers, Beverly Hills Polo Club, Ann Klein, LA Gear, adidas, Reebok and Cole Haan. I purchased a Cole Haan buttery leather slide with a Nike air heel ($79) that I can't live without. I might go back for another pair.

Golf shoes are available for both men and women. Men will also find dress shoes, sports shoes and running shoes. The men's section is about one-third the size of the women's shoe section, but that's still plenty of shoes.

Handbags, a few gift items, socks, shoe accessories, polishes and gizmos fill the racks at the front of the stores. There's a not-too-impressive selection of handbags at less-than-impressive prices -- a small complaint.

Handbags are not why anyone shops here; it's the shoes that keep everyone coming to DSW, and the friendly, well-informed staff.

Don't expect to always strike gold in the shoe aisles. Warehouse and outlet stores are unpredictable. This is not the place to find a pair of shoes for a special occasion, but it could be. The first day I shopped I bought five pairs of shoes. DSW in Henderson, where I next shopped, didn't have my size in any of the shoes I liked.

It's all part of the fun of warehouse shopping. Who knows what I'll find next time?