I haven't purchased a pair of shoes from Sterling in about 2 years. I'm boycotting. The last purchase attempt was so frusterating I can't bring myself to do it no matter how many pairs I admire in the front window when I walk by.

I was a bridesmaid 2 years ago, shopping for 3 pairs of identical shoes for all of us to wear The bride bought the dresses, we had the (what appeared to be) simple task of buying a pair of shoes to match that met some basic guidelines.

I found the perfect pair at Sterling Shoes, with about 1 1/2 months to go before the big day. However, as my luck would have it, no sizes. Here's how it went:

1. At store #1 - Me: "These shoes are just what I'm looking for. Can you call some other locations to check for size?" Clerk: "Sure I can only call these couple locations nearby." Result: no sizes.

2. At store #2 - Me: "I'm having a hard time getting 3 pairs of this shoe. Since you don't have any either, can you call other locations?" Clerk: "I can call a few other locations, but not outside of the province." Result: no sizes. Me: "Can you contact the head office somehow to find out where in the country I can purchase these shoes and have them shipped? I know the sizes I need and am ready to buy." Clerk: "No, I have no way of doing that."

<insert sarcasm here> At this point, I am overwhelmed by the level of service I am receiving. I know a lot is not required to get a job at a shoe store, but SOMEONE must know how to track down some more stock!

3. On the web - Me, via email to generic contactus@ email address: "I would like to purchase the following shoe, model # blah, blah, 3 pairs, will pay to ship, who do I contact, blah, blah?"

And we wait. 2 weeks to the wedding.

4. On the web - Me, to the same generic email cause that's all that's on the site: "I emailed previously, got no response, looking to buy shoes, would be nice to get some kind of response." Result: still no response.

5. On the web - Me, last time, to the email: "This is my last attempt to buy from you. I'm appalled at no response online and no assistance in store."

You get the picture. I bought a pair elsewhere the day before the wedding that while fit the basic guidelines, KILLED my feet. End of the night dancing was barefoot. Never again Sterling. Who knew it was so difficult to send a quick reply or call to a customer begging to buy?