For the past forty years, Kiddie Kobbler has been a go-to destination for Ottawa parents seeking footwear for their children, from snow boots to skateboard shoes. However, the St. Laurent Boulevard store’s owner, Robert “The Shoeman” Krantzberg, recently announced his decision to retire at the end of March. Krantzberg, who has dedicated his life to the store, expressed that while he loves his work, the physical demands are catching up with him, prompting his decision to step back.
Starting as a teenager at a Kiddie Kobbler store in Montreal, Krantzberg’s vision has always been to create a store that children enjoy visiting. This vision has led to loyal customers spanning multiple generations, with families returning time and again for their footwear needs. The news of the store’s closure has evoked an outpouring of sentiments from customers, highlighting the exceptional care and personalized service they have received over the years.
Among the store’s devoted patrons is Rachel Buliziuk, who travels from British Columbia to shop at Krantzberg’s store for her young daughter, echoing the sentiment that the store feels like a welcoming and familiar place. For customers like eleven-year-old Britton Walby, who has been frequenting the store since infancy, the impending closure raises uncertainty about where they will find their next favorite shoe store.
While Krantzberg is considering selling the store, he emphasizes the importance of finding a successor who shares his passion for providing an exceptional customer experience rather than solely focusing on profit. As the community bids farewell to a beloved establishment, there is a collective appreciation for the impact Kiddie Kobbler has had on families across the country.