FootPrints will close its doors: Shoe store opened in 1979

by Mark Jahne

Editor

These are bittersweet times for Scott Cohen. He grew up in the family shoe retail business and eventually took over from his parents David and Jerilynn Cohen.

FootPrints was founded 47 years ago and has sold tens of thousands of shoes to perhaps as many customers. But now the store is closing and its future is uncertain.

“We’re in a major transition,” Scott Cohen said.

They decided to put the building at 79 Costello Road up for sale. The business is expected to close by Oct. 31 after all remaining inventory is sold at discounted prices.

“The building is listed for sale and we’ve gotten some interest. Beyond that, everything is uncertain,” Cohen said.

Scott Cohen, center, took over running the business from his parents David and Jerilynn Cohen. (submitted)

Newington Store

He said it may relocate to a smaller location and focus on casual and athletic footwear. During its heyday FootPrints sold all kinds of shoes, including men’s and women’s dress shoes for work.

“The footwear and fashion industry has changed dramatically,” he said.

Office attire has become less formal, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, and more people are going to work in casual footwear. Retail in general has undergone significant changes, he added.

“My parents opened the store when I was 6. My parents started the business in 1979” in a small space on East Cedar Street, he recalled. Cohen started helping out as a child. His grandparents also assisted in the store.

FootPrints has been located on Costello Road off the Berlin Turnpike for more than 30 years. (submitted)

It carried the most popular brands of shoes and provided old-fashioned service including sizing customers’ feet to help them find the best fit. The business model was to sell value that would last.

He referred to that as a traditional sit-and-fit sales model with professional shoe fitters. Nowadays people buy cheaper shoes that they know will wear out and be thrown away. They’re not looking for the same value.

One of the problems with the Costello Road store is that at 30,000 square feet it is too big according to today’s retail standards.

David and Jerilynn Cohen stand outside the original FootPrints location on East Cedar Street in Town Center on opening day in 1979. (submitted)

“It served our purposes very well for a very long time,” Cohen said. “The timing is right and hopefully we will make the best of the situation. It’s exciting and a little nerve-racking at the same time.”

Another reason for selling the building is a hot real estate market. He offered his gratitude to the customers and staff, some of whom have worked for the family for many years.

He has worked there for more than 30 years. NL