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SHARON L. BONDAlan Gordon has been selling shoes in the area since 1956. Before he retires, he plans to give back to the community.
PINELLAS PARK - Another shoe giveaway by Shoe Ware House is scheduled for Monday and the two following Mondays. People who need shoes can come to the store and will get a pair at no charge.
It is only the second giveaway to individuals staged by Shoe Ware House, but it will be the last. Owner Alan Gordon of St. Petersburg is closing the business in May.
"I'm going fishing and doing a lot of things," he said. "I think 66 years in one business is enough."
Gordon, who is 74, says he started selling shoes in his dad's store in Baltimore when he was 6.
He gave away shoes to individuals in December 2001, and his store at 8302 U.S. 19 N was overwhelmed with those who said they needed shoes because they had none, needed decent ones for jobs such as construction work or wanted something that looked good enough to wear to job interviews.
Gordon doesn't ask for any proof of need. Last time, two older women stopped in and said they had not had new shoes in five years and asked if that qualified them. It did. Even a few customers who drove up in fancy cars and came in wearing gold chains get shoes.
"Ninety eight percent of the people are legitimate," Gordon said. "It's just my way of saying thank you to St. Petersburg. It's been a wonderful town. We've enjoyed a good business."
Gordon arrived in St. Petersburg in 1956 and from then to 1972 had Red Cross Shoes in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Clearwater. He ran Shoe Villa at Tyrone Square Mall for 22 years until 1994.
He and a partner have Shoe Ware House, which was started in 1994. Gordon sold the building on U.S. 19 and then leased it back until May 1. That is when he says everything must be cleared out. His partner may continue the business in another location.
He said they have done bulk giveaways to the Salvation Army and other agencies but have only had one other individual giveaway.
Meanwhile, the upcoming giveaway is set for Nov. 1, 8, and 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gordon said. The store will be a bit better organized this time, using a numbering system to prevent people from breaking in line. Last time there were a few scuffles as a result of breaking in line, he said.
Other new features this time are free hot dogs and drinks. There will also be a portable toilet for those waiting in line.
Gordon said last time he gave away about 1,700 pairs of shoes at an average price of $25 to $30 per pair. He expects the number of pairs given away this time could come close to doubling and will carry costs as high as $50 for some of the women's shoes and $90 for men's.