Boston shoe store closing after 103 years. "You came in as a customer, you left as family."
After more than 100 years of pairing customers with their sole mate in Boston, George's Shoes on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain is closing.
The family-owned shop, known for offering luxury brand shoes at discounted prices, has been passed down through three generations.
"We're just always been there," said Susan Baroff, the current owner. She took over from her father and grandfather.
"I was kind of the steward for the last 30 or so years. But it really is a testament to my father and mother, where it was and the level of service and quality that was there," Baroff said.
"Bittersweet" ending
"It's really bittersweet," said Leslie Natale, who manages the store. She started working there in August 1984. "I don't think there will ever be another shoe store like George's."
"Shoes just used to fall off the shelves because we had so many. No shoe store had as much as we did," Natale said.
The store is now just about empty, but it holds memories for customers like Pat Libby, who bought her wedding shoes there 31 years ago.
"It just felt sad to see that it's closing because it's been here so long. You just kind of count on it being here," Libby said.
Baroff said the decision to close wasn't financial.
"It's just time"
"We're getting a little tired and It's just time," she said.
"There's not many stores that have been in business for 103 years and can go out on top," Natale said.
"We always wanted it to be when you came in as a customer, you left as family," she added. "And I think we did a really good job doing that."
George's Shoes last day in business will be on Saturday, June 14.
