Westboro Stride Rite
'Fit by people who care'
By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer

(l to r): Danielle Sullivan, Patti Burkis-Darby, Lisa Diaz and Manager Angie Mooney of Westboro Stride Rite PHOTO/NANCE EBERT

Westborough - Shopping at Westboro Stride Rite is like visiting an oasis amid today's trend toward faster, bigger and impersonal stores. Owner Harvey Shanbaum, Manager Angie Mooney and the rest of the fitting associates ensure a personal touch, quality service and more to make the Westmeadow Plaza store unique.

"Our motto continues to be 'fit by people who care,' because we really do. It is our reputation that we build upon every day," Shanbaum said. "We take pride in making sure your children are properly fit and leave happy."

Westboro Stride Rite has a frequent buyer card based on a 12-pair purchase program.

"When the card is full, we take an average of the card and deduct it from the following purchase and generally it works out to almost a free pair of shoes," Mooney said. "It's good for an entire family and it doesn't expire. This is one way that we can say 'thank you' to our clientele because we genuinely appreciate the business that they bring."

Shanbaum has owned Westboro Stride Rite for eight of its 30 years. Mooney has been with the store for 13 years, so many of the customers are greeted by name.

The store sends out reminders to parents of customers age 4 and under every three months after their last shoe purchase.

"This reminder lets parents know that it is probable that their child's feet have grown and they should come in to be measured," Mooney said. "Our customers find this personal touch very helpful."

The staff is able to fit orthotics and will do special orders when possible. The store has an inventory of Stride Rite shoes, and brands such as Skechers, Crocs, Nike and more. Clothing and accessories are available for ballet and soccer as well as slippers and socks.

"There is a true science to how we fit our customers. The training is very intense. It is our job to get the right fit especially for our younger customers that cannot speak yet," Mooney said. "Feet really need to fit into the shoes like a puzzle piece fits into a puzzle. Everyone that joins our team is trained to do that."

While Harvey and his staff are disappointed in the decision made by the Stride Rite Corporation to locate a corporate store in the new Baystate Commons, they will continue to off er their customers quality service and excellent choices, Shanbaum said.

"In the future, we plan on staying here in the Westmeadow Plaza with its convenient access to Route 9 and the town center and do the best job that we can. We will continue to off er a great selection of footwear and accessories and provide personalized, quality service," he said. "We also want to thank our loyal customers for their continued patronage and will honor all off ers and coupons from any corporate Stride Rite store. Just bring them in."

Westboro Stride Rite is located in the Westmeadow Plaza at Route 9 and Route 135. The store is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 508- 366-5577.

Editor's Note: the preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.