Toilet Paper, Eggs and Sneakers: Hy-Vee Partners With Shoe Retailer DSW

Strange times call for strange partnerships and Midwestern grocer Hy-Vee has partnered with Designer Brands Inc., operator of the footwear chain DSW, to be a shopping and pickup destination for shoes.

The coronavirus pandemic has shuttered DSW stores nationwide. The companies said their partnership will launch with an online experience, offering customers DSW’s digital experience via Hy-Vee.com. DSW and Hy-Vee are also developing capabilities for buying online and picking up in-store, and the deal will roll out several DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse in-store shops in Hy-Vee stores over time.

Designer Brands, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of North America's largest designers, producers and retailers of footwear and accessories.

Prior to the rollout of shop-in-shop locations, the companies will launch a pilot of top-selling family footwear in a pallet format in more than 120 Hy-Vee stores.

“Quality footwear and accessories will always serve as a top need for the American consumer, which is why we’ve made these solutions available to our shoppers,” said Randy Edeker, chairman, president and CEO of Hy-Vee. “Hy-Vee’s goal is to provide its customers the very best in all lifestyle categories in a convenient and easy-to-shop format, and we’re proud to partner with a company that shares the same vision.”

Fueling It Up

Hy-Vee separately said it was now offering free, full-service fueling at its more than 165 convenience stores across its eight-state region, including its Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores.

The service is offered at select fuel pumps from at least 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Upon arrival, customers who wish to use the service can select the pump’s “Fuel Help” button or call a designated phone number found on signs at each pump. Food and items from the convenience store can also be ordered and delivered to customer vehicles using the service.

Once notified, employees will meet customers at their vehicle and process their transaction and fuel order without the customer having to leave their vehicle. Full-service fueling can be paid with cash or credit card. As an added safety measure, employees will be wearing gloves for every customer interaction.