Having opened in mid-August, the Kifle Shoe Boutique may still be the newest retail shop in the Short North. Located at 1203 North High Street (which you may recognize as the former home of {milk bar} due to the shiny black tile floors in the photos), Kifle offers women a fashionable alternative for shoe shoppers tired of the chain mall stores.
“Our inspiration for the boutique from the interior to our products is New York City,” says co-owner Helen Kifle. “We are not a department store or a big chain, and we want to offer women gorgeous shoes that offer a sense of exclusivity and comfort.”
Helen, along with her sisters Aden and Aba, have crafted their concept after much research and working within the industry. Aden previously managed Sacco Shoes in New York City after graduating from OSU, and returned to Columbus after seven years to discover that nothing similar was available locally.
“Since our grand opening, Columbus women have received us with excitement with many coming in saying ‘Finally a shoe boutique in the neighborhood’,” says Aden. “Shoppers are taking pride in their city and that ‘mom and pop’ shop movement is coming back.”
Kifle specializes in carrying the latest trends from flats to heels to over-the-knee boots. The store also carries artwork, clothing, accessories and jewelry created by local fashion designers.
“We give local artists and designers a platform to showcase their works,” explains Aba. “Every Gallery hop we introduce a new designer and artist to a great turnout.”
For store hours, information on upcoming Gallery Hop events and other details, visit www.shopkifle.com.
