[galligator]

I have no idea. I have noticed that Nordstroms tend to have a majority or men, hot or no, staffing their shoe departments. It would take some investigating, but I'm guessing that sales are better when males staff women's shoe departments. This sounds like a whole study/masters thesis, if someone hasn't already done one for retail already.

Honestly though, I really don't pay too much attention to the Sales Associate except to make sure that he or she is actually helping me to find what I need & get the appropriate commision when I ring up. If they are professional and not terribly pushy, I can work with that. I don't notice faces that much but can't stand one who hovers. If they introduce themselves, offer to help, and them back off until I'm ready, then I'm fairly satisfied.

I guess if you find him attractive, you could consider him as part of the overall store 'atmosphere'. Your eye-candy, as it were - however, I would still expect proper value for my time & money. So really, in then end, it's about the shoe I buy and whether I am happy with the price and quality.