Shop Local, Shop Downtown: ...comforts the sole

Posted: Wednesday, January 26th 2011

When Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer decided to open …comforts the sole, just after Easter of 1993, it was just as much necessity as desire. Lorna had been selling her Birkenstock shoes through a home based business, selling to friends and at the Red Deer Market. Soon, Lorna found that she was simply too busy and did not have the space in her home to continue selling, so she decided to leave her teaching position, and open one of Red Deer’s most pleasant shops.

…comforts the sole is a footwear and clothing store located at 4812 50 Avenue. Specializing in brands such as Birkenstock, Tilley Endurables, Mephisto, Ecco, Woolrish and Think! Lorna describes her products as “lifestyle lines”, products that are comfortable, good for you, and ecologically responsible. “If you have comfortable shoes, the rest of you is set,” she believes.

The wonderful product is only the beginning. With a knowledgeable and courteous staff and a historic building featuring hardwood flooring installed in 1939, and walls made from Red Deer brick, …comforts the sole has one of the most endearing environments in Red Deer. Lorna loves having her shop in the downtown. “There is no other place than the downtown. We just love the eclectic atmosphere and the friendly people. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere but the downtown.”

Now in her 18th year as a downtown shop owner, Lorna gives a great deal of credit for her success to her knowledgeable staff and her loyal customers. “We have the best customers in the world. They are wonderful people and appreciate what the staff does,” Lorna stated. “We have a number of customers who drop by to thank us, or leave notes to let us know that they appreciate our service. Even if they don’t buy from us.” …comforts the sole isn’t just a place to buy shoes, the staff go out of their way to become experts in their product. Lorna and her staff often consult with shoe makers and podiatrists to make sure that her products are top quality and that her products will suit her customers.

Lorna would like to invite everyone to take a stroll to her shop to say hello and check out her shop, her product and have a friendly chat with her staff. Please stop on by and see one of the gems of Red Deer’s downtown; …comforts the sole.