Crowley new at Brown’s Shoe Fit

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Ryan Crowley’s new home is a far cry from Oklahoma.

Crowley, who is now managing the Brown’s Shoe Fit store in downtown Worthington, arrived in September from Bartlesville, Okla., located 45 miles north of Tulsa in the northeast portion of the state.

“I’m originally from Shenandoah, Iowa,” Crowley explained Thursday afternoon at the store. “I started working for the company in Maryville, Mo., and worked there for about two years. Then they transferred me down to Bartlesville, Okla., and worked there for about a year. Then they transferred me up here. … I’m back closer to my hometown, so I’m happy about that.”

Crowley said he’s been around the shoe business for a long time. His father is now running a Brown’s Shoe Fit in Clovis, N.M.

“He’s been at the location for about a year and a half — that’s one of our newer stores,” Crowley said. “Before that, he worked at corporate headquarters in Shenandoah. He’s been with the company for about 20 years.”

Crowley explained that an important part of his job is supplying for the community, as “every store sells different products.” He plans to eventually add some new lines to the store’s offerings.

“A few years ago we did a remodel and the store looks beautiful,” he said. “The inventory here has grown a lot over the last few years. We’ve added new lines like Uggs and Dansko, and we’ve also grown with Clark Shoes and have expanded with our New Balance tennis shoes.

“We also specialize in trying to have different sizes and widths to fit feet properly,” Crowley added. “We’re also one of the few stores out there to take the time to sit you down and measure your foot and suggest proper footwear.”

Crowley has a part-time employee, Chantel Fornoff, who has worked at the store for about a year.

“She is from here, knows a lot of people and is active in the community,” Crowley said. “Chantel and I look forward to everyone stopping in, meeting us and doing business with us.”

Crowley, meanwhile, said he is enthusiastic about doing business in Worthington.

“Worthington is a very nice community; I’m very impressed with it,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of friendly people in this town so far.”

Brown’s Shoe Fit is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. It is located at 324 10th St.; the phone number is 376-4160.

Tags: brown’s shoe fit, ryan crowley, news, business