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In a sea of cookie cutter, big box warehouse shoe stores one independent shoe retailer continues to thrive in Columbus: Easton Shoes. Despite the competition and slowed economy, 2009 marks Easton Shoes 55th year in business. It’s an anniversary that is pretty incredible when you consider that the National Shoe Retailers Association says fewer than 4 percent of U.S. shoe retailers make it to 50.
Today the shop is owned by husband and wife Marcia and Lenny Comeras. They have been the sole owners since 1992. The business was founded in 1954 by Lenny’s father Rueben and Bill Easton. The original location was in Graceland Shopping Center. Today the store is on Henderson Road in the Northwest Center.
Over the years the Comeras have had to deal with a finicky consumer, self service competitors, a name that is obviously confused with the other Easton (shopping area that is) and more than one recession. But by stressing hard-to-find brands of unsurpassed quality and customer service the store continues to serve a devoted clientele. Many come in looking for the exclusive European brands Easton Shoes carries, shoes from Italy, Germany, Spain, Israel and the U.S. In fact, Easton Shoes is so well respected by European shoe manufacturers that they are the only Ohio shoe store selected for a coveted partnership with the Italian Trade Commission (ITC). Together with the ITC Easton shoes will launch Italia: Life in “I” style June 11-13. The 3-day event will promote and feature 3 of Easton Shoes finest Italian shoe lines. In addition, shoppers will be treated to Italian refreshments, wine and exclusive discounts. It’s an out of the box way to promote in a down economy and offer shoppers another reason to visit Easton Shoes.
I’m so glad to hear they are still in business. Growing up that was the only place my mom took be to buy shoes. They were always really friendly and took the time to make sure I had shoes that fit me. I haven’t been there in years, but I”m glad to hear they are doing well!!
I took my wedding shoes there to be dyed a light pink and was pretty happy with the result.
Stay away from here. Yes, they carry a nice range of expensive shoes but their customer service and return policy are terrible. I was “fitted” for $250 shoes. Two days later I was in pain. It was clearly the shoes but their response, no refunds, no exchanges, nothing. I had committed the offense of wearing them out of the store, thus voiding any return options. With these policies you might as well buy the same shoes on line for significantly less. The odds are the same that you will get a pair that fit you and you might actually be able to return them if there is a problem.
Our return policy is extremely liberal compared to all independent shoe stores in the United States. It is clearly posted at the cash register and on the customer’s receipt, to wit: “Unworn shoes which are purchased out of stock may be returned within 14 days for like credit. Any returns must have receipt and original box and be resaleable. No refunds on sale items and non-shoe items. Twenty dollar restocking charge on special orders which are returned or not picked up. Any shoe which shows toe or footprints is considered a worn shoe.” We do not allow returns of worn shoes. We pride ourselves in properly fitting our customers as we have since 1954. We take time to find the proper shoes for the customer’s needs. Robert failed to identify himself and we simply cannot find any records of this individual to address his specific complaint. We know of no legitimate retailer who has a policy of returning worn shoes. We always work with customers who have a problem with the purchase of any shoes from our store and if they are not satisfied we have been able to rectify the problem.
+1 on the response.
-10 on responding to a 2 year old gripe on a dead thread.