Bringing style and comfort to Grand Junction, CO, since 1911, Benge’s Shoe Store is more than a retailer–it’s a pillar of the community. Three generations of Benges have served in community service organizations to help Grand Junction grow and flourish. From his grandfather helping to get the road to Salt Lake City built to his support of charities and foundations like the Hospice Care Center and Salvation Army, Owner Bruce Benge vows “to stay a part of the community, either by our money or our time.” Staying connected to others is part of what has kept Benge’s Shoe Store going over the years, and Footwear Plus had the opportunity to speak with Benge about what makes this institution such a special place today.
Q: How would you describe your store? A: We carry a full spectrum of footwear. There is a focus on comfort, but we approach it in maintaining styles that move people.
Q: Who is your typical customer? A: A person who likes high quality shoes. And they can range anywhere from the upper-20s to 80s.
Q: Has your customer-base evolved over the years? A: It’s evolved somewhat, in that we used to carry women’s, men’s and children’s shoes, but now we’re pretty much all women’s. We do carry a few styles in kids’ and men’s, but we’ve moved to mostly women’s.
Q: What keeps customers coming back to Benge’s Shoe Store? A: New product. We’re constantly looking for things that might be better, feel better, or look better with a wardrobe, so we’re constantly innovating what we’ve got. We also have great customer service and loyal customers who keep coming back for years.
Q: What are your best-selling brands right now? A: Rieker, Dansko, Alegria and Pikolinos are all doing really well right now.
Q: What’s the best part of your job? A: The social aspect of it. I get to work with people that are now a part of my family. We’ve got long-term employees who have become my friends. I love to hear about their families and their day and be connected with them.