Celebrating More Than a Century in Downtown Gloversville
Happy Anniversary to Rossbach Shoes Store!
Did you know that Feb. 8th is Rossbach Shoes Day in Gloversville, a day honoring the 102-year-old small business that is a legend in the downtown corridor?
Located at 10 W. Fulton St., owner Charlie Rossbach is the third-generation owner. When the store turned 100 in 2022, the City of Gloversville proclaimed the day Rossbach Shoes Day, and it would be celebrated annually. His grandfather was at the helm until his father took over the shoe store in 1940s. In the late 1950s-early 1960s, Charlie became the leader of the small business. The store has persevered throughout the century despite events that could have closed its doors, such as the Great Depression, the leather and tanning industries leaving the area, and the rise of shopping malls, box stores and online ordering. Also included in this list is COVID-19 and the current high costs of inflation. Rossbach Shoes Store battled and won despite the multiple economic crises and continues to stand strong today.
The store credits much of its success to customer service. Online reviews point to the care and quality that Charlie and his family have given over the years. Peter G. wrote on Yelp.com: “I needed a couple of pairs of shoes ... I remembered buying shoes here before and decided to stop in. It looked inside just as I remembered it and Charlie greeted me warmly … I told him what I wanted a white pair of wide sneakers. As well as a black pair with the Velcro strips. He went to look and came back with the white sneakers. It's an old fashion shoe store where you sit, and he comes back measures your feet … Then you walk around and see how they feel inside the store. … He received a call from a customer. He said that if she couldn't come in, he could stop at her house and bring some shoes and measure her feet. Where do you ever hear that anymore -- a house call from the shoe store? I tried on the black pair of shoes, and they fit perfectly … It was a real pleasure to come and get shoes here. You have old-fashioned customer service and excellent prices. If you're looking for sneakers or boots or women's shoes, absolutely stop by the shoe store. It's a rare bird to have such nice personal service these days.”
Rick M. wrote on Facebook: “Iconic shoe store with a long history. I have not been there since the 1970s. So while visiting Gloversville on Friday, I went in and bought a pair of walking sneakers. Nothing had changed. Great prices and friendly service. Not to mention, a very unique store. I hope people give this business some love and their business.”
“Always be kind to people,” Charlie was quoted in a 2022 Leader-Herald/ Daily Gazette article. That philosophy has served the store well for the past century.
Celebrate Rossbach Shoes Store Day by discovering one of the gems in Downtown Gloversville and by meeting the owner who helps give the store and the city its charm.
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