One of three 100-year-old businesses in downtown Marquette
MARQUETTE -- Shoes have been lining the shelves at the Washington Shoe Store now for 100 years. While the store has moved three times to various locations on Washington Street, it's been in the current building since 1962.
Eino Olander has spent the past 50 years as the owner of the store, and he has enjoyed the day-to-day routine of selling shoes.
"Mingling with customers I think...that's the best part of it. You get to know the people walking around Marquette whose shoe sizes I know and some that are long gone, I do remember their shoe sizes," recalls Olander.
While the styles of shoes have changed drastically through the years, from traditional dress shoes to casual comfort shoes, the dedication of the employees has remained the same.
"Our turnover here is extraordinarily low. We've got a sales staff of Ein and myself and three other people, and between the five of us, there's about 160 years of fitting experience at the Washington Shoe Store," says manager Ray Kuczwara.
For a town with a rich history such as Marquette, seeing a business last means a lot for the Downtown Development Authority.
"This is remarkable that they have been in business for 100 years and started on their second hundred. I just think it really tells a story about our downtown businesses and their dedication to their community and their willingness to stay through both hard times and good times," says DDA Executive Director Mona Lang.
The Washington Shoe Store joins the ranks with Getz's and Donckers who have both surpassed the 100-year mark.
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