Shoes life, shoes a job

Dave finds out about a channel exec's intriguing former career

I enjoyed an illuminating chat with one of my reseller pals this week. Having rung me from a bar in Spain to rub it in about what a great time he was having on his holibobs, it soon became apparent he was squiffy, to say the least.

In his merry state, he began to reveal some secrets of his past that I'm sure he'd rather didn't become common knowledge in the big-money machismo world of the channel.

It turns out my pal was a buyer for a well-known department store - and not just any old buyer either. He had a particular skill in picking ladies' shoes that sold in their droves. He tried to cover up his revelation by saying he was also responsible for lighting and IT-related equipment. Not to mention guns, cars, football, fit birds and lager, but I had to tell him the damage had already been done.

People were always saying this guy was well-heeled, but now I know what they truly meant.