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Peterson Shoes has been proudly serving the Anoka community with quality footwear for over 85 years. As a family-owned business, we are committed to bringing a mix of tradition and style, ensuring every customer finds a perfect fit. With a legacy rooted in local history, Peterson Shoes has become more than just a shoe store; it’s a part of Anoka’s heart and soul.
Gillespie Shoes was the first shoe store in downtown Anoka. The store was founded in the early 1880s and rebuilt in 1884 after a fire ravaged the downtown area. In 1940 when the Anoka County Union reported Gillespie's was closing, Mel and Estelle Peterson purchased the store with funds from Mel's parents mortgaging their home. Today, we continue to honor the Gillespie Shoes heritage with the same dedication to quality and service that began over a century ago.
Mel and Estelle Peterson ran the store in the 40's and 50's with their daughter Sandra growing up running past the displays and measuring her feet with the x-ray machine (a practice later outlawed due to the radiation exposure). Sandra met her husband Jack through the store and they eventually took over the family business. Their daughter Michelle joined the staff in 1982 when the store moved across the street to their second location. Bill Oestreicher moved his shoe repair business to Peterson Shoes in 1990. He shares the rich generational history of family businesses, learning his trade from his father, Tony.
Sandy and Michelle have grown the store from a small staff of just two to today's staff of nine. They moved to their current location on the north side of Main Street in 1982 and expanded in 2010. Peterson Shoes was named Outstanding Retail Business of the Year by the Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce in 2014.
Today, Peterson Shoes remains a cornerstone in the heart of downtown Anoka. Come on in and experience our blend of tradition, comfort, and style–with a team that is committed to finding the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
Peterson Shoes has been voted Best Shoe Store by Reader's Choice nearly every year from 2015 to 2023, a testament to the trust and loyalty of our customers. Additionally, for the past four years, we've been honored as Minnesota's Best Shoe Store in the Minnesota's Best Awards, solidifying our reputation as a top choice for footwear in the region.
Thank you for helping us achieve these accolades – we couldn’t have done it without you!
Step inside more than a century of history! Our Anoka shoe store has been serving the community since the horse-and-buggy days, and we’re proud to still be here helping you find the perfect fit. This video captures our story of tradition, family, and customer care that never goes out of style. Watch to see why generations have trusted us for quality footwear—and then come visit us to experience it for yourself!
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