All photos taken on December 29, 2024
Back in December, readers began sending tips about Harry’s Shoes potentially closing. They mentioned empty shelves and a significant 40%-off sale. When we visited on December 29, 2024, a staff member explained that the store at 2229 Broadway and West 83rd Street was working to sell off its current inventory before re-stocking in the spring around April or May. They even suggested ordering online when the shoes we wanted weren’t available. On January 20, we received word that the shop, which opened its Upper West Side location in 1975, is actually changing ownership.
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“It looks that way,” said James, a Harry’s Shoes employee, when we asked on the morning of January 20 if the store was changing hands. We mentioned that it seemed unusual to direct customers to buy shoes online while some shelves remained empty. We also inquired about the inventory running out and buying being paused until spring. “You’re probably right,” James replied.
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Harry’s Shoes opened in 1931 on 116th and Fifth Avenue. “Harry felt that everyone needed shoes, even in the great depression and he opened a shoe store for men, women, and children,” says the company on their website. In 2022, Harry’s Shoes for Kids, located at 2315 Broadway, consolidated and moved into the main store a few doors down. Ivan Castro, the buyer and manager of Harry’s Shoe’s For Kids, told us it was because the lease expired and it was tough to find a new location to make the business work, which led to the move. “We’re going back to our roots,” he added at the time.
It’s unclear whether the current Harry’s Shoes staff will remain after the business changes ownership. The store has long been known for its excellent customer service.
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I love Harry’s! I have literally purchased hundreds of pairs of shoes there for myself and my family over the past forty years…
I stopped shopping at Harry’s Shoes years ago due to their surly, attitudinal staff and awful return policies. I’m not sorry to see them go.
Same. I’ve lived around the corner from Harry’s for over 25 years and stopped going in there a long time ago. I would welcome new owners who cultivate a sales staff that prizes good service over commissions at all costs.
Agree with you John
I’ve always received great service from Harry’s staff. I hope that they stay open!
I spoke to someone at the desk who said the new owner would be restocking the popular brands that Harry’s used to carry before it went all high end a few years ago–expecting to reopen in late February or March. He said it would be just like the old store that everyone loved, as if it had never been changed.
Sadly, they stopped selling Merrells just before the pandemic, and never got them back again. Since that is the only shoe I wear, I have no reason to buy from them.
For those looking for Merrells, Tip Top on 72nd either has them in stock, or they can be ordered. They are $100 – about $20 more than Harry’s was selling them for.