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Reap the Benefits of Mobile Footwear Shopping: UMB Gets a Winning Sole-ution

January 03, 2024
Dan Reed

For the employees who operate with a limited budget, paying for protective footwear can be a major obstacle. But Jim Bolton, assistant director of Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), found a winning solution. He sought a better way to get protective footwear, allowing staff at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) to benefit from efficient and cost-effective shopping.

Unsatisfied with the archaic process of merely providing a $150 stipend, Bolton started to look into mobile safety shoe services. His research uncovered Grainger, a renowned distributor of industrial and safety supplies that serves a variety of customers. The company provides an entire mobile store — a “shoe mobile” — that travels to work sites and helps staff select the ideal shoe or boot.

The Shoe Mobile Reduces Shopping Stress

Offering a considerable selection of styles and sizes, the shoe mobile makes it possible for employees to find the right shoe with assistance from a professional service representative. What’s more, the employees can try on various shoes until they find the perfect fit. In most cases, they can take them home with them right away.

Taking collective purchasing power into consideration, Grainger set up an account for each eligible UMB staff member. Now, they can easily procure protective footwear without any worries of not being able to return the unused portion of the stipend. What’s more, if they’re not able to attend the event, they can still purchase their shoes via the Grainger website and have them shipped directly to the campus where returns are handled as needed.

Cumulative Savings At UMB

Sherry Bohn, PhD, MSL, CBSP (ABSA), acting director of EHS, said that UMB “has realized an average savings of $38.68 per person.” The total savings compared to the stipend for the day of the event was calculated at $3,210.64 — the total cost of the shoes was $9,239.36 compared to a stipend of $12,450. Taking into consideration all shoes purchased, the estimated savings was even higher at $4,951.04 (cost of $14,248.96 compared to a stipend of $19,200).

Making the Most of the Shoe Mobile

To ensure all employees had access to the shoe mobile services, Bolton created a plan with various shifts from multiple departments. Records showed that 64.8 % of 128 eligible staff from three departments attended the event.

Grainger agreed to hold this event for UMB every two years, saving time and money in the process. Thanks to the coordination and time invested, the shoe mobile event was a success. Bolton’s efforts will go a long way in making it easier for UMB staff to get comfortable, durable, and dependable footwear while also enjoying collective purchasing power.