ROCKY RIVER, Ohio—After 99 years in business, Szabo shoes, in Rocky River, will be closing its doors for good.

  • Szabo shoes first opened in Lorain in 1920, before moving to Rocky River in 1953
  • Family owners say the growing demand of Amazon is why the store won’t make it to year 100
  • Sales will be running until the store officially closes at the end of October

It’s a staple in the community and a loss that will be felt by customers and the family who put their heart and soul into this business.

Robby Brooks is part of the Szabo family. He’s been working at the family shoe store since he was 12 years old.

“It’s sad for it to go, really for anyone that’s shopped here because we have had customers who are in their 90’s who have shopped here since their first pair of shoes,” said Brooks, Szabo Shoes online manager.

Szabo Shoes first opened in 1920 in Lorain, Ohio by a man named Lou Szabo.

“He was a doctor and he just wanted to fit people with odd sizes,” said Brooks.

The store carries sizes that range from kids to size 10 shoes and everything from narrow to wide to extra-narrow.

The store moved to Rocky River in 1953 and its been there ever since.

“People come in here and they just want to talk, you won’t get this service anywhere else,” said Brooks.

And it’s just that —the service — that kept Szabo shoes in business for 99 years.

“The thing about this store is the service, you come in and get shoes fitted up... they’ve always been really helpful for us,” said Jim Tibbitts, customer.

Brooks says the growing demand of Amazon is why this family-owned store won’t make it to year 100.

“We got cut off by Amazon last year and it’s hard to stay on top for that long,” said Brooks.

As the fourth-generation Szabos work their final days, they’re comforted in knowing they brought quality service and quality shoes to Northeast Ohio for almost a century.

“We’ve just enjoyed coming here and sad that they’re closing,” said Dianne Tibbitts, customer.

Szabo shoes will officially close at the end of October.

They’re running sales all month long until closing day.