So this was the stores response:
Thanks for writing. I spoke with Jackie about the incident with your friend. She said she and Randy had several people come in today that were interested in Vibrams or a minimalist type shoe. 2 of them bought a pair, another person, a guy, did not. I assume this is your friend. she relayed the following information to me regarding him.
"I don't know what particular customer you are refering to; however, I would be more than willing to talk with the customer to clear the air about any misconceptions of a minimalist shoe. I would also, like to apologize to the customer for any misunderstanding. We do have a step by step guide to running in the Vibram Fivefingers and Sabine (Vibram Representative) is always willing to answer any questions that I may have about the Vibrams.
I did have a few customers try on minimalist shoes today. There was one male customer that came in today and inquired about the Vibrams and did not try it on or purchase it. I think he asked if I liked the Vibrams. I told him I do the like the Vibrams, they are very lightweight, and comfortable. He asked if I run in the Vibrams, I told him I am not currently running in the Vibrams that I own, due to me needing a little more stability. That is all I remember him asking.
There are several types of minimalist shoes in various brands (Vibram Fivefingers, Kinvara's, Asics 33 Collection, MT10's, Brooks Pure Collection, etc.)
I would never deter a customer from puchasing a particular kind of shoe. Customers comes in and ask for a minimal shoe to try on I will let them try on a minimal shoe and the same goes for any other particular type of shoes.
We always ask if they would like a particular type of shoe or brand or would they like an analysis to see what shoe would create a proper fit.
I will and have made suggestions on why I think a certain shoe would benefit a customer better than another shoe base on an
analysis. Example: Customer needing a motion control shoe but ask why that shoe is better than a cushioned shoe for them.
If you have any other questions are concerns please give me a call or send me an e-mail. I am very passionate about our store and would like customers to tell others about a great experience."
I do not see from her reply that she in any way told him that it was a fad. since we sell all of the above minimalist shoes she mentioned, it would not be in our best interest to not try to sell one of those brands. I am sorry your friend thought it best to go somewhere else for his shoes. I can guarantee you that if something was said that caused him to look elsewhere, it won't happen again. I hope you will continue to send people our way.