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Working as a sales associate in the sit-and-fit footwear world, you quickly learn that the job is all about helping others.
“Every day, people come to Harry’s hoping we can find them comfortable shoes,” explains General Manager Kelsey Hockenberger. “They have conditions like plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, hammertoes and other foot issues that can make getting around difficult — especially living in the city. Being fitted in the right footwear can make a huge difference.”
“Our purpose is to help customers find the right footwear for all of their lifestyle needs. Whether it’s everyday shoes with supportive footbeds that mold to their feet, the right sneakers paired with inserts suited to their arch structure, or even a gorgeous pair of anatomically cushioned dress pumps, we have a huge selection of the world’s best comfort footwear.”
And for customers who walk out of the store feeling better than when they walked in, it can sometimes feel like magic.
“That’s the feeling that drew me into the comfort footwear business in the first place — the sense of fulfillment I received from helping customers find a footwear-based solution for their discomfort,” says owner Holden Nagelberg. “And after more than 35 years sitting at the fitting stool, I wanted to find a way to teach what I’ve learned to our salespeople.”
To that end, Nagelberg developed a footwear-fitting training program that teaches Harrys associates a different way of looking at feet, drawing connections between foot structure, discomfort and footwear.
“Our fitting method can make a genuinely positive difference in our customers’ lives,” says Hockenberger. “I know that sounds like a lofty statement coming from a shoe store, but we see the difference every day, and nothing gives us a greater sense of purpose.”
That sense of purpose extends beyond the fitting stool and into the Upper West Side community.
“When we took on the challenge of reopening Harry’s, we knew certain things would be a little different than at our other locations,” Nagelberg explains. “We’ve acquired several different store groups over the years, in places as varied as the Hudson Valley, Austin and Tucson, but the Upper West Side is truly a unique neighborhood.”
“What struck me almost immediately was how close-knit and neighborly it feels. That sense of community fits perfectly with our way of doing business.”
Nagelberg opened his first shoe store on Long Island in 1997, and charitable giving has been part of the company’s philosophy ever since.
“Back then, we did what we could to make a difference through purposeful donations to local organizations. Today, we have the opportunity to do that in the communities surrounding all 22 of our locations. After almost 30 years of running the business, the ability to give back is what gives me the greatest sense of purpose.”
During its first year operating the New Harry’s Shoes, the Sole Provisions team has already made meaningful contributions to Upper West Side causes.
Along with staff volunteer mornings helping with food distribution, the New Harrys Shoes raised almost $19,000 for the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) through its annual “Fight Hunger and Save” promotion between Black Friday and Christmas Eve.
During the promotion, Harry’s provides customers with a 10% discount in exchange for a $1 donation to a local food bank — and then matches every customer donation 100%. Last year, the company raised more than $65,000 for food banks in the communities surrounding its stores.
Harry’s also regularly supports the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. Each spring and fall, the store holds a “Stand Up for Mental Health Weekend,” during which a portion of store proceeds is donated to NAMI.
“No extra effort is required,” Hockenberger says. “If you’re shopping at our store that weekend, you’re donating by default!”
This past May, Harry’s donation to NAMI-NYC totaled more than $3,000.
And there’s more planned for this fall. Upcoming Harry’s events will donate a percentage of sales to NAMI from October 2–4, the National Wounded Warriors Foundation on November 11, and Paws Are Wonderful Support NY on November 14–15.
“People on the Upper West Side have a lot of choices about where to shop,” Nagelberg says. “I love that they not only put their trust in us to help them find great footwear, but that by shopping with us, they’re also supporting a business that prioritizes giving back to the community.”
For more information about the New Harrys Shoes and upcoming community events, visit harrysshoes.net.
