By Gus Saltonstall
Harry’s Shoes reopened Friday at noon under new management but with the same name, at the same address on the Upper West Side.
The store, which has operated for the last 50 years at 2299 Broadway, near the corner of West 83rd Street, is now under the ownership of Sole Provisions, which runs 22 other shoe stores around the country.
Harry’s Shoes has been closed since mid-March for renovations and staff training, and after noticeable movement in the past week within and outside of the business, the store is once again open — though you may find a small segment of the shelves still empty as new inventory continues to arrive in the coming weeks.
West Side Rag visited the iconic Upper West Side business on Thursday and Friday to get a sneak peek and also speak with new owner Holden Nagelberg, who heads Sole Provisions.
WSR: How did you make the decision to buy Harry’s Shoes?
Nagelberg: When I first got into the shoe business I was 21, and Harry’s was by far the most important independent shoe store in the country. It’s an iconic institution. When the opportunity came, I’ve acquired several businesses in the past, especially since Covid, and I was well versed in the language of acquisitions.
It’s literally the most important thing I’ve done in my professional career. On top of that, it’s a huge responsibility – running this store. I was just at an Atlanta shoe convention and all anyone wanted to talk about was Harry’s Shoes. The entire shoe business is behind us. It’s been a very humbling experience for me to see the support I’ve been getting from so many different places
Nagelberg heads Sole Provisions, which operates such stores as Pegasus Footwear, Alan’s Shoes, Rudolph’s, and more. Upper West Siders will now see “The Sole Provisions Family of Shoe Stores” on the two awnings underneath the larger Harry’s Shoes sign. You can find out more about the company — HERE.
WSR: What does it mean to join the Upper West Side community?
Nagelberg: It’s not a responsibility I’m taking lightly. I know this is a community that speaks to each other, that stays together, that forms opinions together. It’s a demanding community. If they are going to support a store, they want to know the store cares about them and supports them, and [that] there is value in coming here.
I hope this neighborhood will support a store that really cares about providing great service. New York City real estate is hard. I see a lot of people lamenting stores closing, and I’m hoping if we really do it right, and have an incredible selection, and create a beautiful space for people to shop in, that the neighborhood will support us. I will do everything that I possibly can to create value for shoppers, that I promise.
Nagelberg grew up in New Jersey and spent time in Manhattan and the Upper West Side, he has family members who have both taught and attended Columbia University.
WSR: What will be different from the former version of Harry’s Shoes?
Nagelberg: The selection. There used to be a great selection here but unfortunately over the last several years it hadn’t been as strong. And it’s not just a diverse selection, but also a selection of different price points, so it’s not just all super expensive. Number two, it seems like many customers didn’t feel that certain policies were conducive to people wanting to support the business. Our return policy is a 30-day return policy, not just store credit. We have 22 other stores, and this return policy works great for us. We’re looking for a longterm relationship with our customers. I’m not going to sacrifice a lifetime relationship with a customer over one shoe, it just doesn’t make sense.
WSR: How crucial is customer service within the store?
Nagelberg: It’s not only the most important thing, it is the only thing. In today’s internet world, one of the things that I talk about when I train my staff is, there used to be an old saying that the key to a successful business is “location, location, location.” Now, the best shopping location is in someone’s pocket on their phone. The next most important thing is selection. If you have an incredible selection of footwear and a real-world fantastic location, you can’t lose. So, what’s the value of somebody coming into our store? 100 percent it is the customer experience. And it’s not just being friendly and welcoming; many of our staff have backgrounds in hospitality, but also the professional knowledge of shoes. All of our sales people have gone through a four-week boot camp in our sales training.
I know that every single person can benefit from somebody taking a look at their feet and actually caring. One of the signs we have all around the store says, ‘We measure, because we care.’”
WSR: And your own expertise?
Nagelberg: I’m somebody who is actually trained in orthopedic fitting for all kinds of problems, and I have certain philosophies about the way you measure a foot. It’s not just what size number you are; that’s the least important thing. A person’s arch structure, whether they have a flexible or rigid foot, do you have longer toes or shorter toes — all of that has a lot to do with the shape of the shoe that will fit a person right. Do they have a high volume or low volume foot? Understanding the angle of a person’s instep and understanding what they will require. The flexibility or rigidity of a shoe, the firmness or softness of the arch support, these are all really important things in making a person comfortable.
And, because we had this luxury of not having to train people on the fly, we sat people in a classroom and taught them these types of things. Everyday we had three or four vendors come in and explain their shoes and what the benefits and advantages of them are to our staff, so we have an incredibly enthusiastic staff.
The new staff does not include employees of the old Harry’s Shoes, Nagelberg said, noting that “I know some people in the neighborhood won’t like that.”
Most of them have not been in the shoe business before, which is an interesting way of putting things, but I really prefer to train people from scratch, rather than having them bring in bad habits and having to de-program them. Whatever my employees lack in experience, they more than make up in enthusiasm, and I really hope the Upper West Side consumer will come here and find a bright and welcoming environment.
WSR: Are there any specific ways you’ll pay respect to the former Harry’s Shoes?
Nagelberg: Joe Goldberg’s picture will never come down. It was like I was being introduced to a demigod the few times I met him, and when I walk past that picture, I say to myself, “I’m trying, I’m trying.”
The Goldbergs opened and ran Harry’s Shoes for more than 90 years. You can read more about the Goldberg family’s generational relationship with the Upper West Side business in our 2021 article — HERE.
WSR: Anything you’d like to end with?
Nagelberg: To say again, this is by far the biggest investment we’ve ever made in a store. I understood taking on Harry’s Shoes was a massive, massive endeavor for me. I really consider it the culmination of my entire professional career. I’ve been in the shoe business for 35 years. I started when I was 21 and I’m 56 now, and I had to use every single skillset that I’ve ever developed over those 35 years to put this space together, because it was a massive undertaking. It’s not very often that I look around at something and know that I am satisfied, but I know that I am satisfied with the work that me and my team have done here.
And I hope Upper West Siders will see that reflected in the shopping experience.
Read More:
- Here’s What’s Going on With Harry’s Shoes on the Upper West Side
- Harry’s Shoes, Famous UWS Business, Closed Until Summer
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I wish them good luck.
Wish them well! So glad they changed the return policy- a great customer plus. The signs of struggle at the old Harry’s were hard to witness in recent years. The plummeting inventory, and on the human side, salespeople on commission who couldn’t do their work, no matter how knowledgeable, because the inventory wasn’t deep enough for them to bring up good “alternatives” when they didn’t have the first thing you wanted. It became the inverse of a good purchasing and salesperson exchange – frustrating and disappointing for both sides. But I hate buying shoes online unless I’m replacing an exact match. Used to go in to Harry’s to see what was new or interesting and give a try. Fingers crossed for them!
This all sounds so promising and I can’t wait to support a local business IN REAL LIFE!
Might even go by today.
Have they worked on the Feng Shui? The old store was terrible.
Only part of the problem was outgasing from cheap latex paint.
Having grown up on the Upper West Side, Harry’s was a big part of my childhood. It was one of only two shoe stores where my mom used to take me to get shoes. Harry’s was always fun because it seemed like the store was huge (at least to my young eyes). I am SOOOOO glad they have been revived by Mr. Nagelberg and I will make it a point to visit them often (I still live on the Upper West Side; wouldn’t think of living in any other neighborhood in NYC).
Wishing them the very best of luck!
27 years ago we bought our five-year old daughter a pair of warm, wonderful but strange looking boots at Harry’s. We’d never seen anything like them before, but we took a chance – UGGS!!
I’m glad to hear that they will be carrying a wider range of prices. Harry’s became the place where it was hard to find a pair of loafers sandals or other casual shoes for under $300 or 400. I suppose the high rents in the area made that a good business move. And people who want to spend that much probably want to try on the shoes and get personal service.
I wish the new owners well.
Mr Nagelberg’s attitude toward correct fitting and employee training is SO on target! And so important. I wish him every success in reviving this once-iconic store and look forward to visiting it soon. Ordering from Zappos is no substitute for a knowledgeable shoe fitter.
I guess it’s for the well heeled. Who else would pay double for what they could get on line?
Clearly not double. Any value to you in supporting local retail?
It’s not double, and some of us like shoes that actually fit us and that we can try on for comfort/fit before buying them.
I need great shoes that fit them comfortably and kind and knowledgable salespeople to deliver the best possible shoes for them. If you have been to Tip Top on 72nd street for shoes and ask for Harold you know you are getting shoes that fit YOU well. If you got to Fleet Foot on 72nd st. and need sneakers it’s the same thing. Your sneakers will fit you amazingly well, they will be exactly what you need, and you may buy 2 pairs if they have some on sale that are priced comparable to on line. Many folks want to have stores in their neighborhoods, and don’t like searching on the internet for something that they can communicate in person. I’m lookng for a mid heel shoe with a high toe box for narrow feet to wear to a wedding. I prefer black or silver. I want funky color sandals to go hiking in, made out of nubuk. Harry’s was lacking that for years. Awful staff except for one guy, and I forgot his name. Hi Holden! Will be up there ASAP! Look forward to meeting you. Mazel Tov! Welcome to our world.
Oh, wow, another person with narrow feet! Those shoes are SO hard to find. I have such narrow heels that even most lace-ups slip and I can’t wear them! Please help the narrow-footed! I’m not the only one!
The prices are not double. Why spread misinformation? My Asics sneakers cost the same at Harry’s as they do online unless I’m buying last year’s model.
This guy’s mind, heart, and wallet are in the right place, giving this iconic business a real chance to make it. Good luck.
I have spent months buying and returning shoes online…. You can only determine quality and fit in person. Can’t wait to shop Harry’s shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good luck! Will definitely be supporting this local business
Very very very glad they changed the tone-deaf return policy.
YES! I have only purchased pricey (to me) shoes at Tip Top because they do accept returns. So happy to go to Harry’s now!
I have hard to fit feet and need the expertise of a fitter with experience. For years I had one sales person in Harry’s who knew what I could wear and what I couldn’t. The pandemic hit and he retired. Since then everything I bought from Harry’s ultimately and quickly became unwearable. I wish the owners the best of luck but I’ll wait a long time before I buy. Inexperienced fitters cost me too much money in the past.
Their revised return policy is the reason I’ll be able to begin to shop there. Harry’s prior antiquated policy was a major deterrent which prevented me (and many others) from shopping there for decades.
Wishing Mr. Nagelberg the best with his new business.
I bought a pair of Birkenstock sandals at the newly reopened Harry’s yesterday and none other than the owner, Mr. Nagelberg, helped me. He and the general manager were so very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. I walked out with a big smile on my face. I wish them all the best.
Extremely pleased to have this store open again!!! Wishing them the best.
So glad they changed the return policy. Made the mistake of buying boots there 20 days ago that did not feel comfortable when I tried them on again at home, and because of their policy never bought footwear from there again.
I’m old enough to remember when it was simply called Florsheim.
I wish them well! As long as there are people with different needs, a good store with good service, good information, and personal fitting will have room in the neighborhood. I hope they manage to navigate operating costs and tariffs and what not, with keeping prices reasonable (and that does not mean an expectation for rock bottom prices for high quality shoes) and their customer care, caring. Anyone knows if there’s gonna by Harry’s Kids in that store, too?
Welcome to OUR neighborhood, and best wishes for your success!!
I am one of those lucky female individuals blessed with a long, very narrow foot and heel. I hope you will have selections, in stock, that will actually FIT me! If you don’t, I hope you will be able to order them for me and have them delivered to your store, so I can try them on with the help and advice from your expert shoe fitters. For many, many years I was not able to shop for shoes on the UWS because no one carried my size at all.
YES! Thank you for your suggestion! My narrow-heeled feet make it so so hard to find shoes that don’t fall off. Even lace-ups. I am not Cinderella. I want my shoes to stay ON!
This “lucky” Size 11AA is echoing your plea. Getting tired of wearing sneakers all the time.
I’m looking forward to Harry’s reopening. My last purchase there was around September 2023 for dress shoes for a wedding; they worked perfectly with my dress and were comfortable throughout a long evening reception. Checking out, I saw a casual summer handbag and purchased it on a whim. And I’m still using it almost every day in the summer. Started shopping at Harry’s when I moved to the UWS in 1995. I’ll be interested in seeing the changes by the new owner. Good luck!
Today I was walking to Zabars in a relatively new pair of sneakers. I passed the old Harry’s Shoes, now the New Harry’s Shoes “just to see”. So, you know what happened, I walked out with a NEW pair of sneakers . Kelsey, the manager was so welcoming and vivacious. Ray, my salesman was so helpful, he even measured my foot with a 1950s tool used when I was 5 years old, now I finally know my correct size after all these years ! Let’s all try to support this UWS neighborhood store. They are happy to be here.
Fun fact: that tool is called a Brannock Device. My late father-in-law’s shoe store in Philadelphia used them on every customer. Coincidentally, his name was Harry.
I’ve said it before to you, and I say it again, the West Side Rag is one of the best local “newspapers” providing excellent and accurate information and reportage on the comings, goings, happenings, openings, and closings on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Sincerely, s/Alan Flacks
I hope they do offer better customer service and fitting than the old Harry’s. I quit shopping there after too many incidents of sales people trying to sell me shoes that didn’t fit by adding “padding under the tongue”, etc.
I used to shop at Holden’s first store in Huntington. I never left without the most perfect pair of shoes. I can’t wait to shop at the new Harry’s Shoes. I wish Holden the best of luck.
I hope they’ll put the apostrophe back!
The Sole Provisions signs and shoes displayed in the windows were ugly and as unaesthetic as 1930’s factory shoes for prison laborers.. Displays had a sickening olive green tint that was as lifeless and revolting as a dead fish. This store is dead in the water. It was clear that a generic, cheap brand that cuts corners on design, style , and quality is occupying Harry’s. It won’t last. It has zero character. Harry’s at least which was known for its age 6 or 96 styles, serving elder seniors and children, and no one in between. Harry’s had an array of colorful ugly, and purportedly comfortable shoes, and the employees were notably miserable beaten down New Yorkers like the characters in Agnes Martin paintings. The Sole Provisions shoes look like standard issue for the gulag Archipelago. Their shoes wouldn’t sell in the discount gun racks at Walmart, or with the plastic , chemically fuming shoes Payless. This store stinks and won’t not last.
Uh, there are no characters in Agnes Martin paintings, much less “miserable beaten down New Yorkers.” She paints abstracts, mostly of squares or stripes (https://www.moma.org/artists/3787-agnes-martin). If your knowledge of shoes and store decor matches your knowledge of art, there’s no need to pay the slightest heed to your unkind review of the, ahem, rebooted Harry’s.
You seem fun.
It won’t not last? Great news! Move to Jersey, Laure – everyone will be happier.
Very excited with this new era! Congratulations Harrys! I could see great brands like Pikolinos, Taos OMG thanks to come back! wishing you the best!
Glad they’re back! I remember when on weekends it seems like everybody on the Upper West Side was buy shoes at Harry’s. Question, though: The articles states they’ve been at 2299 Broadway for fifty years, but didn’t they used to be a door or two down, maybe at 2289 Broadway before Barnes & Noble moved in? Same building, but at 82nd rather than 83rd. Or am I misremembering?
I am excited Harry’s Shoes has returned and look forward to getting fitted for new shoes. I wear orthotics and a brace, and shoes are always a nightmare for me because of fit. I look forward to seeing the new selection. Welcome back!
ran into Rudy Giuliani here back in the day he was a Harrys fan
[…] ICYMI: Harry’s Shoes, the shop that has been at 2299 Broadway (southwest corner of West 83rd Street) for the past 50 years, reopened on August 15th after a five-month renovation. It is now operating under the ownership of Sole Provisions, which runs 22 other shoe stores around the country. “When I first got into the shoe business I was 21, and Harry’s was by far the most important independent shoe store in the country,” Holden Nagelberg, who co-founded and leads Sole Provisions, told WSR. “[Aquiring Harry’s is] literally the most important thing I’ve done in my professional career.” To read the Rag’s full interview with Nagelberg, click – HERE. […]
The last time I was in Harry’s, a couple of years ago, I had the worst service. Glad you hired all new staff and I will come back!