Big Foot; Not Just a Store, Also a Community Builder

How many pair of shoes do you have? Have you ever wondered if you had a nice shoes but the price is very friendly?

In today’s generation, I think it’s safe to say that shoes are the most popular part of anyone’s outfit. Most people don’t care about how they look as long as their shoes are clean and fresh, it gets the job done.

People who have a thing for shoes are called “sneakerheads.” The global sneakerhead community is growing so fast that sneaker companies are releasing new models on a monthly basis.

In the Philippines, the number of people who are engaged in sneakers are also increasing, making the sneakerhead community in the country very popular.

With that being said, a new sneaker store in Cebu just opened on August 28, 2020, in the town of Minglanilla, it’s called Big Foot.

“Gitawag siya ug Big Foot because kita ra tingali naay stock nga 14 naa tay stock 15 ang size then pwede pod ta mu stock ug 16,” said John Merlou Gera, Marketing Head of Big Foot.

To be honest, I was so excited when I found out that there will be a store selling legit and cheap sneakers within my reach, considering I am also from Minglanilla.

During our conversation he revealed that Big Foot isn’t just a store, it isn’t always about the business but it helps people to acquire 100% original but cheap shoes.

“We can guarantee you quality, legit but cheap shoes. Wala mi nangatik diri nga original among stock in fact you can come here sa store and see for yourself,” Gera said.

The owner however, is a pure Cebuano but has already made a living in the United States and is doing really good.

I also learned that the owner of Big Foot came from humble beginnings, he wanted to be a part of their school’s basketball team but unfortunately, he can’t afford to buy a basketball shoes back then.

“Lisud kaayo iyang kaagi, siya (the owner) before was an aspiring varsity player gusto siya muduwag basket(ball) but wala siyay luxury ba para maka afford ug sapatos sa iyang kaugalingon ba,” Gera said.

Gera added that it was a real struggle for the owner to reach his dreams, there are times that he would play with his school shoes or no shoes at all.

“Na usahay lagi mag tiniil, or mag black shoes para maka duwa lang,” Gera added.

From there I already got the point, the owner is trying to help people get quality but cheap shoes through his store, mainly because he knows what it feels not having a shoes especially if it is the main requirement for the sport you love.

Big Foot sells basketball shoes, lifestyle shoes, hype shoes cheaper than the mall price. They have a wide variety of brands from Nike, Jordans, Adidas and more.

Image source: Big Foot/Facebook

Aside from shoes they also sell t-shirts, polo shirts, slippers and slides, caps, and perfumes.

Now, let’s talk about the history of Big Foot, how come this man with nothing but his dreams made this possible.

In 2015, the owner is already selling sneakers from the US using his friends as dealers here in Cebu.

“Bali padal-an rami ug stock then kami mubaligya, commission based siya naa mi gamay amoa,” Gera said

Then as time flies by, the owner kept on shipping shoes in Cebu and eventually told his friends to post it in social media.

“Gihimoan namog mga shelf ang sapatos unya nag butang ra gud mi ug soon to open nag post mi sa social media and boom, unexpected kaayo daghan kaayo ug shares and engagement mao ng naka decide mi nga mag tukod na gyud mi ug store,” Gera said.

With over 5 thousand followers on Facebook since their startup this year, Big Foot will continue to supply people with quality but cheap shoes.

“Hopefully in the next 5 years maka tukod nami ug Big Foot all around the country and di sad unta mi mag limit ra sa shoe store, we want to expand perhaps Big Foot restaurant,” Gera revealed.

Big Foot is located at Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu, across Cebu Kitchen.

You can also visit their official facebook page at BIG FOOT. (MLC)