News Summary
Harry’s Shoes has reopened on the Upper West Side after renovations, now under the management of Sole Provisions. The iconic store aims to enhance customer experience with a new return policy and trained sales staff. While some inventory is still arriving, the focus remains on quality footwear and community engagement. Community response has been mixed, with some eager for improvements while others express concerns based on past experiences. The new owner emphasizes customer service as a key to fostering loyalty in a competitive retail landscape.
New York – Harry’s Shoes reopened its doors on Friday at noon, marking a new chapter for the iconic Upper West Side footwear retailer. Located at 2299 Broadway, near the corner of West 83rd Street, the store has been a staple in the community for the last 50 years. Under new management from Sole Provisions, which operates 22 other shoe stores across the country, Harry’s Shoes is now poised to offer a revamped customer experience.
The reopening follows a closure that began in mid-March for renovations and staff training, as the new management aimed to revitalize the store. Although most shelves are stocked with footwear, customers will notice that some inventory is still on the way, leaving certain sections of the store temporarily empty.
Holden Nagelberg, the head of Sole Provisions and the new owner of Harry’s Shoes, expressed excitement about acquiring what he describes as an “iconic institution” in the shoe business. Customer service is a focal point for Nagelberg, who underscores its importance in today’s retail landscape. The newly implemented return policy allows customers to return shoes within 30 days, moving away from the previous practice of giving only store credit.
To enhance the shopping experience, all sales staff underwent a four-week boot camp focusing on sales training. However, it’s noteworthy that previous employees of Harry’s Shoes are not part of the newly trained team. Nagelberg brings a unique skill set to the table, having a background in orthopedic fitting for various foot problems, thereby enriching the shoe fitting experience for customers.
The management also intends to cater to the diverse needs of the community by providing a varied selection of footwear at different price points. While aiming to maintain a connection to the store’s storied past, there is a plan to keep a photograph of Joe Goldberg, the previous owner, on display as a tribute.
Since the announcement of the reopening, the community has shown strong interest, with many locals eager to see how the new management will handle the beloved store. Customer reactions have been mixed; while some are optimistic about improvements under new ownership, others have voiced concerns based on previous negative experiences with the old staff and policies.
Nagelberg intends for Harry’s Shoes to be a community-focused retail outlet, emphasizing quality service as a means to earn customer loyalty. By establishing the store as a value-oriented destination in a demanding neighborhood, he hopes to create lasting relationships with local customers.
The recent changes at Harry’s Shoes come at a time when many retail businesses face mounting challenges. As shopping habits evolve and competition increases, the commitment to superior customer service might be a vital distinguishing factor for the store’s future success. With the reopening, Harry’s Shoes aims to build on its legacy while adapting to the modern retail environment.
As the community watches closely, the days ahead will show whether the new management can reinvigorate this local favorite and meet the high expectations of its loyal clientele.
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Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
