Iconic Newington Shoe Store To Close At Current Site After 47 Years

It will close by Oct. 31, ending nearly five decades at the family-owned footwear retailer, though the closure may not be permanent.

By Michael Lemanski, Patch Staff

Sep 10, 2026 6:22 AM EDT

NEWINGTON, CT — A longtime Newington shoe retailer plans to close its current location next month after nearly five decades in business.

FootPrints Shoes & Accessories owner Scott Cohen announced this week that the store plans to cease operations at its current location by Oct. 31.

"Changes in the retail footwear industry and various other factors have made this the right time to sell the building," Cohen said.

The announcement, however, may not mark the end of FootPrints.

Cohen said the family is exploring other locations as well as interest from other shoe retailers.

"We are grateful for the nearly 50 years of customer loyalty that has made FootPrints a New England footwear institution, and appreciate the many FootPrints employees past and present who have become our family and make the service we provide possible," Cohen said.

FootPrints was founded in 1979 by Jerilyn and David Cohen and has remained family-owned and operated, according to the company's website.

The traditional "mom and pop" retailer grew to offer more than 200 footwear and accessory brands and more than 100,000 pairs of shoes in stock, according to the company.

FootPrints says it employs 80 footwear professionals.

The business has also received numerous industry and local honors, including a UConn Family Business Award and repeated recognition as Best Shoe Store by Hartford Magazine, according to its website.

Ahead of the planned closure, Cohen said the store is conducting a major sale, with merchandise discounted between 50% and 70%.

Current styles from New Balance and SAS are among the merchandise being offered at 50% off, he said.

Cohen encouraged longtime customers and first-time shoppers to visit before the store closes.

"We plan to cease operations in our current location by Oct 31," Cohen said. "The entire store is 50%-70% OFF, so it's time to hurry in for one last visit here for our loyal customers, and great values for any first-time FootPrints shoppers!"

For the latest on FootPrints, click on this link.