Shoe City offers discounts, service, and selection

Nassau Street's Shoe City has been keeping downtowners well shod for at least the past 65 years. Owner Al Mizrachi recently found old leases dating back to 1940, but he can't pinpoint exactly which year prior to that his father opened up the store because he hadn't yet been born.

A family-owned establishment from the start, Shoe City offers discounted prices on an extensive selection of name brand shoes, sneakers, and boots for men and women, such as Nike, Timberland, Rockport, Converse, and Clarks. The store also carries a range of styles for people with wide feet and offers an additional discount for the selected "boot of the week."

How can Shoe City offer such low prices? Mizrachi owns the building at 120 Nassau Street where the store is located, so there's no monthly rent to pay. As a result, he says, customers save about 25 to 30 percent on merchandise.

In addition to the savings, customers also benefit from attentive service and a wide selection. "We take care of our customers, we have great sales and selected styles," says David Salem, a Shoe City employee and cousin to Mizrachi. Beyond footwear, the store also carries shoe accessories, like shoe polish and laces, and an assortment of belts, socks, and t-shirts.

Confident that his prices are already among the lowest to be found, Mizrachi promises to match any other store's discounts. Usually, though, the prices elsewhere prove higher, he says. "When I go uptown, I'm surprised that people pay these high prices for shoes," he adds. Shoe City also offers a full money-back guarantee to customers who decide that they are not satisfied with a pair of shoes and return them within 30 days.

If asked, Mizrachi will even provide shoe shoppers with recommendations. For comfort he suggests Rockports or Merrills. And for a good waterproof shoe, he says, "You can't beat Timberlands. They are the experts."

Whatever your shoe needs, look to Shoe City and you're sure to find a bargain.

Shoe City is located at 120 Nassau Street, between Beekman and Ann Streets. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (212) 732-3889.

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