Shoes is a great example, while most department stores sell about 4% to 5% of total sales in shoes, most Nordstrom stores sell between 11% and 13% of total sales in shoes.

FORBES: Nordstrom: An Impressive Growth Outlook for a Unique Retailer

Both are department stores, both sell apparel, jewelry, accessories, shoes and home furnishings.

FORBES: Connect

I'm responsible for the shoe department in a small store and now I'm an expert on shoes: heels, flats, sandals, boots, rain boots, everything!

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