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Community & Business

3 October, 2021

New owners to carry on legacy

THE NEW owner of Graeme’s Shoe Store says he intends to carry on the legacy of the former owners after recently spending a few days getting acquainted with the Byrnes St business.

By Michael Warren

New shop owner Des Rowe with shop manager Peta Shawcross and Des’s partner Julie Rowe.
New shop owner Des Rowe with shop manager Peta Shawcross and Des’s partner Julie Rowe.

THE NEW owner of Graeme’s Shoe Store says he intends to carry on the legacy of the former owners after recently spending a few days getting acquainted with the Byrnes St business.

Des Rowe, who also has another shoe store in Bowen said he intends to pick up where the former owners, the Brignolos’ left, following their recent retirement from the business. 

“The former owners built a wonderful reputation for providing personalised shoe service and great customer service and I see no reason to change that formula,” Mr Rowe said. 

“Service is everything, particularly in a wonderful small town like Mareeba. This is Mareeba’s only shoe store, and I firmly believe in providing top level service.” 

The shoe business has proved a family tradition for Des, with his mum involved in the shoe game back in the 1940s and 50s. 

Des, himself has been fitting shoes for close to six decades. Despite the digital era, where items can be bought at the click of a mouse Des said walking into a shoe shop will never go out of fashion.

“People to this day, still enjoy trying shoes on, feeling them, holding them. It’s one thing to buy a pair online, it’s another to walk into a shop and actually see how they feel on your feet,” he said. 

In a positive sign Mr Rowe recently employed two locals, including new shop manager Peta Shawcross.

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