Mobile shoe store heads to Augusta University

A mobile shoe truck to outfit all facilities and frontline staff with the correct footwear is coming to Augusta University.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, Grainger Industrial Supply will be set up on the Summerville Campus on Walker Street, near Allgood Hall. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, they will set up on the Health Sciences Campus in the new parking lot on 15th Street.

Ron Booth, vice president of Facilities Services, went to Grainger as Booth knows the importance of the right shoes.

“Footwear is a key safety item and they’re what I consider part of their uniform,” said Booth. “I saw some of the footwear our staff was wearing and it’s just not a safe option. We care about the employees and their safety.”

Each department has specific times when they can go onto the truck to find the appropriate shoes for their job. This will avoid overcrowding in the truck and give Grainger the opportunity to help serve AU employees in the best way possible.

“They are geared to whatever their trade is. So a landscaping person would have a different type of footwear than a maintenance person would or an environmental services worker,” said Booth. “This will minimize any risk of falling or slipping on wet surfaces or stepping on things that may or may not injure them. These are all safety-related shoes and geared toward whatever their trade is.”

Booth added that each eligible staff member will receive a $115 voucher to be used and Grainger will provide at least one style of shoe fitting that price range. Any remaining balance over the voucher amount will be the individual’s responsibility.