Framingham's Panza Shoes Will Close After 77 Years

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham’s last old-fashioned cobbler is booting.

On Wednesday, beloved Framingham landmark Panza Shoes announced that after 77 years in business, it will close at an uncertain date. Owner Richard Panza told MetroWest Daily News that the store will not close in the next few weeks, and will start holding clearance sales.

Panza, 83, began working at the store 69 years ago when he was just 14. He took over the store after his father Charles retired. Panza told the Daily News that he plans to retire as retail stores struggle and wholesale prices rise. “I mean, how much can a retailer take?” he said. “But we’re still here for a little while more and doing our best with what we’ve got.”

Charles Panza opened the store in 1944 at the southwest intersection of Concord and Howard streets, before it moved to its current downtown spot on Union Avenue. Over the years, it became known for carrying hard-to-find sizes, and providing friendly, expert customer service.

In 2019, Downtown Framingham Inc. awarded Panza Shoes with the first Community Cornerstone Award. Over the years, it has sold shoes to celebrities like Gov. Charlie Baker and former Bruins player Milt Schmidt, according to Framingham Source.

Panza told the Daily News that he is grateful for the ongoing support of the city, customers, and wider communities.