Fort Lee Family Owned: Sneak Time Opens on Main Street

We’ve all heard that it’s not necessarily a bad idea to open a business during a time of recession (after all, Disney did it), but it’s not often we see people test that theory. In this economy, who’s willing to take the risk?

Brave Fort Lee residents, that’s who.

Alex and Susan Seo recently opened their own Main St. business in the heart of Fort Lee. The shoe store, cleverly named “Sneak Time,” held its grand opening Friday.

Families, fun, balloons, sales and a cake all marked the occasion. And yes, that’s right – they opened their business on Friday the 13th.

The opening was a big hit; the balloon arch and signs brought many people poking curious heads into the store to take a look at the merchandise. Even Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich made an appearance, attending for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and to say a few words before the congratulatory cake was cut.

“There’s no better feeling when you’re the mayor of a community when you have a family [with] small kids in the school district, they live here, raise their families here, and now they’re opening their own business here," Sokolich told Patch after the event. "If you were ever looking for a sign of or a light at the end of the tunnel with this economy, I am hoping this is it. They are wonderful people, wonderful kids, and I just hope everybody supports them.”

The mayor also told Patch he will most definitely be bringing his children to the store for some shoe shopping, and that his family always supports local businesses that provide products they can use.

The Seos have lived in Fort Lee for the better part of a decade and have three children in the school system. Opening their own business in town has driven their roots deeper in Fort Lee. Unconcerned with the recession, they are positive in their first attempt at running a business together.

“I think, at this point, anything you do on your own, there’s going to be a risk,” Susan Seo said. “We figured Fort Lee doesn’t have [a shoe store], so why not open one?”

Sneak Time is an individual corporation providing a huge variety of brand name children and adult sneakers and shoes. They’re running a grand opening sale until June 11, so head on down.

”I’m hoping that the community is excited,” Susan told Patch.

The store carries all the big name brands like Nike, Reebok, Croc, Timberland and more. It’s spacious and very kid-friendly, with a beautiful window display and all the fashionable new shoes kids love.

Sneak Time is located at 205 Main St. You can reach them at 201-944-1300.