In 1951, one family changed St. Louis' shoe industry forever. Wally and Joan Waldman, along with her father, Morris Goldman, founded Laurie's Shoes, known for its unparalleled customer service and lasting impact on its customers. Laurie’s is also known for its extensive selection of the most popular brands of men's, women's, and children's shoes. Customers continue returning to Laurie's – throughout four generations of family – because the team at Laurie's Shoes makes everyone feel like family.
Laurie's Shoes is owned by the three children of Wally and Joan: Scott Waldman, Patty Baker, and Mark Waldman, with Mark serving as President of the charming store located in Glendale at 9916 Manchester Road. Mark joined his family's business in the early 70s. “Later, my sister and brother joined the business," Mark said. Patty initially managed the sales floor and helped with merchandising then became the President of Shoe Roads Productions: a health care business that is a division of Laurie’s. Scott, the Vice President, has been the children’s buyer for years as well as the backbone of the operational aspect of Laurie’s. The family also operates the Birkenstock & More store in Creve Coeur, which is the only Birkenstock Concept in St. Louis!
The family business set high expectations of operation and care from the very beginning of all Laurie’s Shoes companies. "Laurie's is known for our customer service. We carry one of the largest selections in fashion, comfort, sizes, and widths for your entire family. And, we expertly fit you in the correct size, width, and differing styles,” said Mark. “We still uphold those standards today, but it comes from those roots that started in the 50s."
Laurie's Shoes has maintained the same caring values since its opening, but the store's merchandising has expanded incredibly, making the store an incredibly unique experience. The buying team looks for inspiration worldwide when identifying hot trends, styles, brands, and footwear that has fresh and secure technology. "Our biggest vendors come from the USA, France, Italy, Portugal, and Asia," said Mark. "We also go to New York, Atlanta, California, and Las Vegas to research new brands and style trends.”
Laurie’s has also expanded their large selection of orthotics and arch support options. Their educated staff include pedorthists who are taught specifically about the relationship between appropriate arch supports, footwear, and your feet. “We handle many clients who simply look for relief from pain in their feet – we provide both comfort and style in our footwear selection,” Mark said.
For decades, parents have trusted Laurie's Shoes to find the perfect fit for toddlers and kids – not to mention, children love the store airplane! Beyond kid's shoes, Laurie’s has an astounding collection of men's and women's sport and dress shoes. The shop is filled with the most popular brands like Hoka, On, Brooks, Birkenstock, Uggs, New Balance, Mephisto, Ecco, and other beloved brands. Why shop anywhere else when you can shop locally?
Beyond offering high-quality international and national shoe brands in-store, Laurie's Shoes has a prominent presence in local hospital support and other charitable works. "We continue to build on our reputation for servicing and helping people. We get patients from Cardinal Glennon and Barnes Hospital that come in because they know how well we do with fitting footwear," said Mark. "Many times, we see children who have never walked before. Our fantastic St. Louis hospitals work miracles in helping these children walk. The kids then come in and we custom-fit stylish athletic shoes for each child. Their eyes get really big and they walk across the floor to their parents, sometimes for the very first time in their lives. It's just a wonderful moment that we get to see."
With over 73 years serving St. Louis, Laurie's Shoes continues to be excited about its future. Most recently, Patty's son, Sam Baker, and Scott's son, Jacob Waldman, have established their roles in the company, solidifying the fourth generation of Laurie's Shoes. "Sam runs the store as a manager, buyer, and customer service expert. He graduated from Disney University – Sam is the face of the future. Jacob, with an MBA, is involved with the online web business and promises to take the web to a new level with an excellent future," said Mark. "We truly value the fourth-generation aspect and family involvement. Fourth-generation family businesses are rare."
So, step into Laurie's Shoes to see why it is synonymous with the St. Louis shoe market; step out feeling like you are part of the family.
"We travel worldwide to research new shoe brands and style trends.”
"Laurie's is known for our unparalleled customer service."