Bakers Shoes Celebrates National Boot Week

As a more-than-middle-aged woman, I was slightly taken back when I walked into the Bakers Shoe store. Take into account I’m wearing khakis, my loose Soles4Souls sweatshirt and “sensible” shoes. Lenna and Jennifer, the two sales associates were young, hip, and wearing shoes that looked like skyscrapers for the feet. In other words, my two daughters would have felt right at home in the store. The shoes and boots are all super cute and attracted super cute young women looking for fashionable shoes and boots. I’m now up to date on the latest fashions!

Bakers shoes was celebrating National Boot week by asking customers to donate gently-used boots in exchange for 10% off on a pair of new boots. Jennifer was amazing as she encouraged customers to come back and bring gently used boots. She even got her good friend to donate a pair of boots she wore into the store!

Stride Rite Supports Soles4Souls

Gail Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with! Gail, who happens to be the owner of eleven “Gail’s Stride Rite” stores, was an enthusiastic host as we visited her stores. She had shopping carts turned over to reserve our parking space. When she saw the RV arrive, she flipped those carts over as if she were Super Woman. Gail and her husband Joe have been long-time supporters of the shoe charity, Soles4Souls. In fact, Joe went to a woman’s house because she was overwhelmed by the shoes from her church shoe drive. He loaded up the shoes, packed and paid for the shipping, just so Soles4Souls would receive the shoes.

We loved watching Gail and her staff interact with the customers. Everyone that walked through the door was greeted like long time friends. Frank, manager of the Long Island store, even gave hugs and kisses to regular customers. They don’t teach that in customer service classes! Several mothers had their children personally donate their used shoes as a practical lesson in volunteering. Thanks Gail and staff for all your help in supporting Soles4Souls!

Gail (on horse!) and staff from Port Washington store

Young shoe donors from Stride Rite in Darien Connecticut