Business & Tech

After 73 Years, A Well-Known Philly Men's Shoe Store Is Moving To The Main Line

The retailer will begin a new chapter after generations in Center City.

ARDMORE, PA — After 73 years in Philadelphia, men's shoe retailer Sherman Brothers is relocating to Ardmore.

The new store is expected to open by Sept. 1 at 42 Greenfield Ave. — the former home of Clothes Mentor, which closed a little over a year ago.

Founded by Herbert and Edward Sherman with a $5,000 loan from their father, the brothers began selling footwear at a small, narrow store on Mole Street in Center City. The business moved to its current location on Samson Street in 1967, having garnered a reputation in the city by then.

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They're moving again for a couple reasons, Herbert's son Ken Sherman told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Their block on Samson Street has become a restaurant hub, with Sherman Brothers remaining as one of the last-standing retailers. A restaurant has purchased the space — and the storefront next door, which the Shermans own.

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Additionally, employees and customers have complained of parking tickets and the high price of Center City lots. The Ardmore location has ample parking.

"We're still Sherman Brothers," Ken told The Inquirer. "Our legacy is what it is, and I’m proud of that, proud of what we’ve done for the city."

Philadelphia Business Journal first reported the business relocating to Ardmore.

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