Iconic Toronto family-run shoe store closed for good after 75 years
More than seven decades after opening, Toronto footwear institution William's Shoe Store has shuttered its doors on Queen Street West for good.
Beloved by loyal customers and feet across the city, the news was shared on social media by the West Queen West district to a heartbroken community.
"Thank you to William's Shoe Store for 75 incredible years in business. Your quality footwear, outstanding customer service, and deep care for our community have left a lasting impact on us all," read the announcing post.
As one of the longest-standing staples in the neighbourhood, the little green store with its iconic glowing neon sign and old-school display, was known for its vast collection of premium men's and women's shoes.
First opened by William and Maria Czarnota in 1950 and now run by their daughter Christine, William's just celebrated its milestone anniversary three months ago. That was back in May, when M.P.P. Chris Glover presented the business with a certificate of recognition to commemorate its 75th anniversary.
As it often does when a beloved business closes for good, memories and stories start rolling, recalling. Specifically with William's, commenters reminisced on the store's caring and committed staff, like 20-year veteran employee Kimmy.
Some community members shared stories about visiting the shop since childhood, and more than one hoped that William's terrazzo tiles and iconic neon nameplate would stick around after closure.
William's Shoe Store's neon signage has stood the test of time. Jack Landau.
Even dedicated customer and former VJ Sook-Yin Lee took to Instagram to recall her memories of William's and encouraged readers to stop by and shop its last sale.
In its final days of operation before closing, William's held a retirement sale with discounts ranging from 30 to 80 per cent off.
All that's left to do now is stop by William's Shoe Store, right by Queen St. and Bellwoods Ave., and pay respects to another beloved independent business lost to changing times.
William's Shoe Store was located at 750 Queen Street West.
