Photos & Story by Marianne Salza
George’s Shoes celebrated its 100th anniversary during the Jamaica Plain Open Streets event on July 10. The family-owned business, located at 669 Centre Street for the past 70 years, has been welcoming generations of loyal customers for a century, selling designer and branded goods such as shoes, purses, and clothing.
“It’s a testament to my family’s hard work and outreach in the community. My grandfather, George, started this business in 1922,” said Susan Baroff, co-owner, whose paintings are on display in the store. “We’re glad to be here. Every family member – by blood or not – worked at this store at one time or another.”
During the pandemic, the Abrams Family goal was to reach 100 years; and now that the milestone has been achieved, they are moved by the outpouring of support from the community.
“It’s not just a business. You’re one-on-one with customers and employees,” explained Baroff, who has been expanding their scope over the past two years by importing items from the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. “People should be treated the way you want to be treated. People are important.”