Chris Shippy, manger of Rosendahl Foot & Shoe Center in Boise, ID, comes from a line of men who know shoes. His father and grandfather were shoe repairmen and boot makers who also worked retail. Today, Rosendahl’s still repairs and sells shoes to keep their customers active and pain free. Specializing in foot problems, pedorthic services and diabetic shoes, the store is accredited by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. Among the staff are four board certified pedorthists and Rosendahl’s also makes custom orthotics. Footwear Plus chatted with Shippy about what’s selling and who’s buying at Rosendahl Foot & Shoe Center.
Q: Who is your typical customer?
A: Everyone from the child with congenital foot issues to hard working men and women who have foot pain or want to avoid foot pain; athletes and runners having issues with fit or pain; and older folks with diabetes, bunions and hammertoes.
Q: What are your best selling brands?
A: New Balance, Drew, Alegria and Propet.
Q: What are your hottest sellers right now?
A: Vionic shoes and sandals.
Q: How has business been so far this year?
A: We’ve had a mild increase over last year.
Q: Do you offer any in-store events?
A: We just hosted a trunk show with Propet for warm winter boots.
Q: What keeps customers coming back?
A: Service and knowledge that can’t be bought online and selection that rivals bigger stores.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: Providing a product that improves people’s lives and lets them be more active.
Q: Is there anything you want to say about your store and your community?
A: Boise is a great place to live and raise a family and we are thankful to a part of our community. We have done shoe drives for charity and give gift baskets to charities to help give back.
