Get to know Footshop’s Na Příkopě store crew

The Na Příkopě store is our second store in Prague, creating a more premium alternative to our iconic, but not as frequented store in Vnitroblock. The store’s located in a building that historically belonged to a Czech bank, and the store manager David and his right hand Eka both know a lot about the building. So who was their most famous customer, and what was the worst mistake that happened to them?

What’s the funniest story from the store you have?

Eka: It was evening and the store was empty. A young woman walks in with an obvious goal. She went directly to the register, where Matuš and I asked her the classic “Can I help you with something?” question. To which she responded, “Can I print out some pictures here?” So we tried explaining to her that we don’t do that here, but she only responded with “But it says Fotoshop on the sign outside”. When we explained the misunderstanding to her, she turned around and left without a word.

David: An older American with a huge dog walked in this one time – if the dog stood on his hind legs, he would be taller than me. The man was trying on some sneakers, while this giant dog walked around and checked the store out. Finally, the guy decided to buy a pair of Vapormaxes and asked whether we accept dollars. I told him that we unfortunately only accept Czech crowns and Euros, so he gave me a strange look, handed me the dog’s leash and went to exchange the money. For about 15 minutes, I was serving customers while holding the biggest dog I’ve ever seen before he came back.

Which sale made you the happiest?

Eka: I’m very happy whenever we make a sale where you can see that the customer was looking for something for a long time and finally found it – when you can see that they’re happy in their eyes. That’s the best.

David: The things I like selling the most are things I’d buy myself and like them. More specifically something like Heron Preston, a puffer jacket or some accessories.

David, foto: Petr Vágner

Eka, foto: Petr Vágner

 Is there a specific brand or model you like that you enjoy talking about with customers?

 Eka: I love selling CDG and ACW* – not only do I like the clothing and accessories both brands make, but also their stories and the designers’ stances.

David: At the risk of repeating myself, my favorite brands we have to offer would be PLEASURES and Heron Preston. I enjoy sharing their backgrounds with our customers.

Na Příkopě store, foto: Petr Vágner

What was the biggest mistake that happened to you at work?

 Eka: One time after closing I was counting the money in the cash register. Instead of putting the cash in the safe, I threw it in the trash (it happened after four long days) and afterwards, I couldn’t find it. Luckily, in the end I got out of my panic mode, put two and two together and everything ended well.

David: One time I was serving a woman that only had a left foot and I gave her a right sneaker to try…It was awkward, but we both had a laugh and she was very cool about it.

Who was your most famous customer?

 David: We’ve had a lot of famous customers, but Orlando Bloom stopped by while filming a movie in Prague. He was nice and, apart from assistants, he also brought a cute poodle.

Eka: Like David said, Orlando Bloom was probably the most famous. We’ve also had Liam Hemsworth with his girlfriend.

If you had an unlimited budget to upgrade the store, what would you put here?

Eka: For me personally, today’s day and age as well as sneaker culture correspond more with modern spaces. Although the historical banking building is beautiful and unique, I’d start with a general modernization.

 David: Although we don’t condone hazard, I’d love to have a sneaker machine where people could try to win a pair of hot limited deadstocks in the store.

What do you like doing the most when you’re not at work?

Eka: I love going on walks and to cafés, especially during spring and the summer.

 David: Because I communicate with customers all day at work, I like being quiet in my free time. I occasionally read a book or play on my Playstation.

 Here’s my last question – what’s one reason people should go to the store instead of ordering online?

David: They’ll definitely get the proper sneakerhead experience. We’ve got good music and a great atmosphere that you just can’t get online.

 Eka: It’s a vibe. You can’t get that online and you never will. Příkopy is a vibe.

 Na Příkopě store, foto: Petr Vágner

“Příkopy is a vibe.”

– Eka

Next time, you can look forward to us interviewing the Budapest store crew. And if you want to get to know the employees of Footshop right now, check out our interview with the women who work here – you’ll get to hear from Eka again.