DSW Steps into Canton Shoe Shopping Market

Canton Township volunteer coordinator Paula Kosbe capped her third work furlough day of 2011 by checking out a brand-new store in town–the just-opened DSW.

“I love shoes,” she said. And Kosbe’s a DSW fan, having traveled to stores in Novi and Brighton.

Like Kosbe, Kathy Carabott of Canton spent time perusing the thousands of women’s shoes, as well as handbags, accessories and men’s shoes offered in the new store. Carabott arrived looking for a nice-looking, sturdy pair of walking shoes.

“I leave in two weeks on a trip with Pioneer Middle School to New York,” she said. “I expect to do a lot of walking.”

She had lots of choices, with athletic shoes from such companies as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Skechers and many others. Other women tried on dress shoes by Steve Madden, Gucci, or Jones New York.

Christina Passeno, an assistant merchandise manager, said the shop has added nearly 50 jobs to the township. DSW’s arrival boosted Canton’s economy in another, less-obvious, way.

“I just moved to Canton and I love it,” Passeno said. “I can’t believe how different it is from the last time I came here, 10 years ago.”

The changes she’s noticed most: Ikea, many restaurants and “lots of cool stuff.”

Carabott said the DSW opening is a good economic sign. The space has previously been occupied by other shoe stores, including Maurice's, which sold women's clothing and accessories in addtion to shoes, and , which is now located on Michigan Avenue in Crossroads Village.

Passeno said store employees will encourage customer loyalty though good service as well as incentives through the DSW Rewards program.

“It’s wonderful that we have a new business in Canton,” Carabott said. “I’d like to see more here and see more businesses in Plymouth, too.”

DSW is at 44590 Ford Rd., in the New Towne Plaza. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For details, call 734-254-1083.