Brown's Shoes: A Legacy of Quality Footwear Since 1940
The History and Growth of Brown's Shoes
Brown's Shoes began as a single store in Montreal, Quebec in 1940, founded by the Brown family during a period when quality footwear was considered an essential investment rather than a disposable commodity. Over the past 83 years, this family-owned business has expanded to operate more than 60 locations throughout Canada and select U.S. markets, maintaining its commitment to providing expertly fitted shoes for every member of the family.
The company's expansion accelerated significantly during the 1980s and 1990s, when shopping malls became the primary retail destination for American and Canadian families. Brown's Shoes strategically positioned stores in high-traffic mall locations, offering personalized fitting services that set them apart from department store shoe sections. By 2010, the retailer had established itself as one of the largest independent shoe store chains in North America, competing directly with major brands while maintaining its family-business values.
What distinguishes Brown's Shoes from competitors is their focus on proper foot measurement and fitting expertise. Each store employs trained shoe fitters who understand the biomechanics of feet and can recommend appropriate styles based on arch type, width requirements, and intended use. This approach aligns with recommendations from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which emphasizes that properly fitted shoes can prevent numerous foot problems including bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis.
The retailer carries an extensive selection of brands ranging from athletic footwear giants like Nike and Adidas to comfort-focused manufacturers such as Birkenstock, Clarks, and Ecco. Their inventory typically includes 200-300 different brands across all locations, with individual stores stocking 50-80 brands depending on location size and market demographics. You can learn more about their selection and services on our FAQ page, which addresses common questions about sizing, brands, and store policies.
| Year | Milestone | Number of Locations | Geographic Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1940 | First store opened in Montreal | 1 | Quebec only |
| 1975 | Expansion beyond Montreal begins | 8 | Quebec, Ontario |
| 1990 | Major mall presence established | 25 | Eastern Canada |
| 2000 | Western Canada expansion | 42 | Coast to coast Canada |
| 2010 | U.S. market entry | 55 | Canada + Northeast U.S. |
| 2023 | Current operations | 60+ | North America |
Product Categories and Brand Selection
Brown's Shoes organizes its inventory into distinct categories that serve different customer needs and lifestyles. The athletic footwear section represents approximately 35% of total inventory, featuring running shoes, training sneakers, basketball shoes, and sport-specific footwear from manufacturers including New Balance, Brooks, and Asics. According to data from the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America, athletic shoes account for 62% of all footwear purchases in the United States, making this category essential for any full-service shoe retailer.
The dress and casual shoe categories make up another 40% of inventory, with offerings for both professional environments and everyday wear. Men's dress shoes include oxford, derby, and loafer styles in leather and synthetic materials, while women's selections range from pumps and flats to fashionable boots and sandals. The remaining 25% consists of children's footwear, orthopedic and comfort shoes, and seasonal specialties like winter boots and summer sandals.
Brown's Shoes has developed relationships with over 150 footwear manufacturers globally, allowing them to offer exclusive styles and early access to new releases. The buying team attends major footwear trade shows including the FN Platform show in Las Vegas and the Outdoor Retailer Summit to identify emerging trends and secure inventory for upcoming seasons. This proactive approach ensures that stores stock current styles while maintaining inventory of classic, timeless designs that appeal to customers seeking longevity over trends.
For customers interested in the company's background and values, our about page provides detailed information about the family ownership structure and commitment to customer service that has defined the business for eight decades.
| Brand | Category | Price Range | Primary Customer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | Athletic | $70-$200 | All ages |
| Clarks | Comfort/Casual | $80-$160 | Adults |
| Birkenstock | Sandals/Comfort | $90-$180 | Adults |
| New Balance | Athletic/Walking | $75-$185 | All ages |
| Ecco | Comfort/Dress | $120-$250 | Adults |
| Skechers | Casual/Athletic | $55-$120 | All ages |
| Dr. Martens | Boots/Casual | $100-$200 | Teens/Adults |
| Stride Rite | Children's | $40-$80 | Children |
Fitting Services and Foot Health Expertise
Professional shoe fitting remains a cornerstone of the Brown's Shoes experience, setting the retailer apart in an era when most footwear purchases happen online without any measurement or expert guidance. Each store maintains traditional Brannock devices, the industry-standard measuring tools invented in 1926 that measure foot length, width, and arch length. Research published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that up to 88% of people wear incorrectly sized shoes, leading to preventable foot problems and discomfort.
The fitting process at Brown's Shoes begins with a comprehensive measurement of both feet, as most people have slight size differences between left and right. Trained staff measure customers while standing, as feet expand under body weight and can increase by half a size or more compared to seated measurements. They assess arch height, identify any pronation or supination issues, and ask questions about intended use, daily walking distances, and any existing foot conditions.
Store associates receive ongoing training about common foot conditions including plantar fasciitis, which affects approximately 2 million Americans annually according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. They can identify customers who might benefit from shoes with enhanced arch support, cushioned midsoles, or removable insoles that accommodate custom orthotics. This expertise proves particularly valuable for customers with diabetes, arthritis, or other conditions that require careful footwear selection.
The retailer also offers pedorthic services at select locations, where certified pedorthists provide advanced fitting services and can modify shoes to accommodate specific foot conditions. These specialists have completed education programs accredited by organizations like the Pedorthic Footcare Association and can address complex fitting challenges that standard retail staff cannot resolve. This level of service attracts customers who have struggled to find appropriate footwear through conventional retail channels.
| Condition | Prevalence | Recommended Feature | Helpful Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantar Fasciitis | 10% of population | Arch support, cushioned heel | Brooks, Asics, Vionic |
| Flat Feet | 20-30% of adults | Motion control, stability | New Balance, Saucony |
| High Arches | 15-20% of adults | Neutral cushioning | Hoka One One, Nike |
| Bunions | 23% of adults 18-65 | Wide toe box, soft materials | Clarks, Ecco, Munro |
| Wide Feet | 30% of population | Wide width options (D, 2E) | New Balance, Brooks, Keen |
| Diabetes | 11.3% of U.S. population | Seamless interior, depth | Drew, Orthofeet, Propet |
Shopping Experience and Customer Service Approach
Brown's Shoes has adapted its retail model to compete in an increasingly digital marketplace while maintaining the personal service that built its reputation. The company launched its e-commerce platform in 2015, later than many competitors, but designed the online experience to complement rather than replace in-store shopping. The website features detailed product descriptions, multiple photos from various angles, and customer reviews, but also prominently displays store locations and encourages customers to visit for professional fitting services.
In-store, the layout typically features 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of retail space with shoes displayed on walls and tables organized by category and size. Unlike self-service discount retailers, Brown's Shoes maintains a traditional service model where customers sit in fitting areas and associates retrieve shoes from the stockroom. This approach allows staff to suggest alternative styles, different sizes, and complementary products based on customer feedback during the try-on process.
The retailer has implemented a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers with points redeemable for discounts on future purchases. Members receive early notification of sales events, birthday month discounts, and exclusive access to limited-edition releases from popular brands. According to the National Retail Federation, customers enrolled in loyalty programs spend 12-18% more annually than non-members and show significantly higher retention rates.
Return and exchange policies reflect the company's confidence in its fitting expertise and product quality. Customers can return unworn shoes within 30 days for full refund or exchange, and the company makes exceptions for customers who experience fit issues after brief wear. This policy addresses one of the primary concerns about buying shoes online, where fit cannot be assessed until the product arrives. The FAQ section provides complete details about returns, exchanges, and the loyalty program benefits.
| Service Feature | Brown's Shoes | Department Stores | Online-Only Retailers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional fitting | Yes, all locations | Rarely available | Not available |
| Width sizing options | Yes, AA-4E available | Limited selection | Varies by brand |
| Return period | 30 days | 30-90 days | 30-365 days |
| Loyalty rewards | Yes, points-based | Sometimes | Often |
| In-person service | Full service | Self-service typical | Not applicable |
| Shoe modification | Select locations | No | No |