Ashley's Footwear

History

Ashley's was started in 1994 by Gordon C. Rabing. Gordon was retired after 36 years in the footwear business. He had been in retail management for both Meir & Frank (now Macy's) and Nordstrom. Following the retail years Gordon went into the wholesale side of the business doing product development and later owning an import company. He has, over the years, traveled the world doing product development.

In 1994 Gordon saw an opportunity for a new type of store with real customer service.
He saw that there was almost no customer service in independent shoe stores, let alone department stores.

Technical knowledge of footwear and foot problems was severely depleted.

No one had a decent inventory of comfortable stylish footwear.

No stores offered a substantial size and width inventory.

Who is Ashley? Before opening Ashley's Footwear Gordon conducted between 200 and 300 interviews with women. These were done in malls, on the street, wherever he could get someone's attention long enough to describe the coming store's culture and the inventory that would be carried. Also, he gave them twelve (12) potential names from which to choose the one that they thought would be the most appropriate for such a store.

The name Ashley's was voted for 70% of the time. Ashley, it turns out, was the favorite name for girls born in 1994, so that may have had something to do with the choice. But, whatever the reason Ashley's Footwear is the store name. At the time of inception there was no thought of men's footwear for the store. Now however 25% of our business is in footwear for men.

Today Ashley's in known for technical ability when dealing with prescription footwear for various foot pathologies. Our longtime employees are well trained and they all give very personal service.

Ashley's carries a large inventory of quality, attractive shoes. The business that we do is 70% referrals, from our regular customers, physicians, and satisfied patients of physicians. After sixteen (16) years Ashley's enjoys a substantial reputation as a destination shoe store. Not only that, but we get business from all over the U.S.A. and also have a few international customers. Once fitted for shoes at Ashley's, a detailed record is kept on file. With that record we can send customers shoes ordered over the phone or by mail.

As time goes by we will be incorporating new information and pictures on this site. Also, watch for new things on our Facebook page. There is a link to the Facebook page below.