Packing this back up to return it, we have tried now for almost 2 hours to get this thing open.  It's proved far more frustrating than it's worth.  Smells good, and if I bought it to use an an air freshener, then this would be a different review.  As far as a shoe valet - it is unusable.  I was unsure after seeing it was made in China but was hopeful.  I'm guessing these are produced too quickly to pay a lot attention to detail - I should have thought that through a little more carefully.  I'll hit the local auctions and find one that is older and American made.