Stephen (Steve) Cross, a longtime men’s footwear buyer at Neiman Marcus, died earlier this week at the age of 70, the company confirmed.

Born on July 20, 1955, Cross grew up in the small town of Tupelo, Miss., and attended Dallas Baptist University before starting his career at Neiman Marcus in 1981.

Cross was with Neiman Marcus for more than 40 years where he built his career in luxury fashion retail. His passion for product and deep understanding of the customer made him a recognized expert in the men’s designer shoe business. Cross retired from Neiman Marcus in 2025.

In a tribute to Cross, the company noted that he was a “passionate supporter” of its stores and was “deeply connected” to the needs of its customers. “He was widely regarded by brands as an authority in identifying winners within expansive collections and providing candid, thoughtful feedback,” the company wrote. “He was a true ‘shoe dog’ – he had an instinctive understanding of craftsmanship and quality for every shoe he came across.”

The company further noted that Cross “believed deeply” in the power of relationships, building trusted partnerships with his brand partners that fueled his success. “During his tenure, he launched many brands at Neiman Marcus, nurturing them into significant businesses for the company, including Ferragamo, Dior, Alexander McQueen and Gucci,” the company stated. “He also championed designer men’s sneakers before they became a major business.”

He also fostered a work environment that attracted talent and brought unmistakable energy, often expressed through his memorable and infectious laugh, the company added. “Above all, Steve took tremendous pride in his dream job at Neiman Marcus, championed the team’s growth and success, and carried a sense of gratitude and dedication with him every day,” the tribute said.

In a statement, Joo Woo, senior vice president of brand partnerships and buying in men’s at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, said that Cross loved people, shoes and the company.

“He was a legend in the shoe world, and his legacy is not only in the work he accomplished, but in the energy, warmth, and positivity he shared so freely,” Woo said. “His unforgettable contagious laugh will be deeply missed.”

Paolo Riva, chief buying officer at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, added: “We are deeply saddened by Steve’s passing, a beloved colleague and friend to so many at Saks Global. Steve helped define the men’s footwear business at Neiman Marcus and set a standard of excellence that will continue to guide us for years to come. His contributions to our company are truly immeasurable. We are profoundly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Others in the industry took to social media to give their condolences. Melissa Gallagher, the former senior vice president and divisional merchandise manager of men’s footwear, accessories and home at Barneys New York, wrote a tribute to Cross on LinkedIn. She wrote that Cross was “a very sweet, warm-hearted gentleman who brought smiles every time he laughed with his extremely boisterous, and recognizable laugh.”

“During my tenure at Barneys New York, we would see each other often at appointments, comparing how different our customers were,” Gallagher wrote. “Loving some collections mutually while wildly disagreeing about others. Always good banter, never adversarial.  We became friends over drinks and dinners while travelling. After Barneys came to a very sad end, Steve was there throughout. He hated to see us go. He was there as my friend and more of a support than I ever expected.”

Gallagher continued: “Steve was someone special in the world of retail. Someone special in our world of footwear. To me he was also a special friend.”

Bethany Bernard, vice president of wholesale at Marni USA, commented on Gallagher’s LinkedIn tribute that Cross’s “larger-than-life” zest for footwear and his mere presence in a showroom, “meant something to us all.”

“Irreplaceable, kind and a consummate professional, I will miss him and his infectious joy,” Bernard wrote.

Louis DiGiacomo also commented on Gallagher’s LinkedIn post noting that Cross “was an amazing human being.”

“He will be missed,” DiGiacomo wrote. “My prayers are with his family.”