With age, the whole right side of my body grows exponentially more sore. It is a recent development that at times makes me sad that I am not ambidextrous. Perhaps being so would allow me to rotate the times my weight must be supported by either side and the soreness would be more balanced. The worst part is that I have a weak right ankle. I try to stay active in my now late 30's by playing basketball with my friends, as well as tennis. This activity, and concern for maximum support of said ankle, led me to Champs Sports.
I expected that the monument to consumerism that is the Glendale Galleria, would be a buzz with activity, since in this country the federal government celebrates the supposed discovery of the New World by conquerors that pillaged, raped, and generally indulged in a little of the old genocide. Sorry, lets focus on why we are here. I was pleased that I would be able to shop in a relatively peaceful environment. Champs, by order of proximity, was my first stop.
I was greeted promptly. I rarely am in the market for sneakers. The wide variety of features and brands is confusing for me. Long gone are the days where this species of footwear is a fashion statement. My needs are analogous to functionality and a shoe that will most likely prevent physical harm to my weak right ankle. Equally as imperative in my selection is value. I am not cheap, but sneakers live in the same world as cars and cell phones to me. Function over floss.
The executives and leadership at Champs can rest assured that when Jermaine is on the job, he will be kicking knowledge. My brotha Jermaine had mad product knowledge! It was like he had a PHD in athletic footwear! Although he delivered the info in a monotone pitch, with an accent I could not place, my better half and I were impressed. Especially when he explained that the shoe I had picked up ( Nike's) to inspect had technology inspired by huge bridges that support thousands of pounds of steel. After that comparison, I felt my ankle would be reasonably safe from twist-age. It was the first place I had visited so I felt obligated to comp shop. When I suggested that a competitor in the mall might have a better deal, Jermaine even offered to place a courtesy call for me. At this point Jermaine had won us over with his impressive acumen and willingness to put my mind at ease. I even walked out with 2 pairs of athletic shorts! 2 for $20! (Not the super baller extra long ones that are coveted enough by shoplifters that they must me cabled to the fixtures. But hey, they have pockets for my tennis balls.) My experience was pleasant and informative. So much so that I did not trip when I saw the same pair at FootLocker for $10 less.
Well done Jermaine. Phil Knight would be proud. read more