ShoeFly has officially opened in the former Divine Finds space, which means that Elmwood Avenue has scored another sweet looking storefront. The difference between the former ShoeFly and the new one is amazing. First of all, the wood floors have been restored and brought back to life. And the overall feeling of spaciousness can't be overlooked either. Whenever I walked into the former shop it was always apparent that the latest shipment of merchandise had no place to go. Boxes were piled up high behind the register giving the store a somewhat cluttered appearance. Navigating the store could be tricky as well.
Another bonus for ShoeFly is the connection with Anna Grace Clothing next door. The two shops plan on leaving the adjoining hallway open so that customers can wander back and forth. There will be a nice synergy between the clothing shop and the shoe shop - the same type of synergy that New World Record and Spot Coffee once had with each other (see New World/Brodo expansion). It’s exciting to see another small business expand in the city. “It was a month of torture, but people have enjoyed the extra room,” Sue Marfino, ShoeFly owner, told me. “I will be ordering Frye boots for fall and I’m looking at additional lines. I am primarily focusing on keeping the lines I had and displaying it properly.”
On Wednesday June 25th at 7pm ShoeFly will host its first 0.5K stiletto run. The ‘race’ starts at Bidwell and Elmwood and ends at ShoeFly. Proceeds will benefit ovarian cancer. Pre-registration is $20 or $25 day of the event. “While we call it a stiletto run,” Sue explained. “All fun shoes will be eligible. To be eligible for the place prizes, the participants must complete the race wearing a minimum of 3” high-heels.” More info is available at StilettoRun.org (web page will be active later today).
ShoeFly is now located at 801 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. 716.886.3595