Kinney Shoes: The Founder

The G.R. Kinney Company, a prominent American shoe manufacturer and retailer, operated from 1894 until September 16, 1998. Founded by George Romanta Kinney, it started with the purchase of a Lester retail outlet in Waverly, New York, in 1894.

The company’s focus on affordably priced shoes for working Americans led to significant success, and by the end of 1929, the chain had 362 stores. Foot Locker originated as a division of the Kinney Shoe Corporation in 1974. The company played a pivotal role in the American footwear industry until its closure in 1998.

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Kinney Shoes: At The Top

At the start of 1936, The company held the position of the largest family chain shoe retailer in the U.S., boasting 335 stores nationwide. Despite selling more shoes in 1936 than in 1929, its dollar volume fell between 20% to 30% below 1929 levels.

On August 31, 1963, the G.R. Kinney Company was acquired by F.W. Woolworth for $45 million, subsequently becoming the Kinney Shoe Corporation, a fully owned subsidiary of Woolworth. It maintained its autonomy with an eleven-member board of directors and existing corporate officers.

Operating Style

Operating through the 1960s and 1970s, The company had divisions such as Stylco (1967), Susie Casuals (1968), and Foot Locker (1974). However, on September 16, 1998, the Venator Group (formerly Woolworth) announced the closure of Kinney’s 467 shoe stores and 103 Footquarters stores. The Foot Locker division, established in 1974, continues to thrive, leading to Venator’s name change to Foot Locker in 2001, while also retaining the trademarks of the Kinney and Woolworth brands.

Kinney Trivia

1. The company was founded in 1894, making it one of the oldest footwear retailers in the United States.
2. The original Kinney Shoes store was located in Rochester, New York, and it started as a small family business.
3. The company became well-known for its focus on providing affordable and fashionable footwear for the entire family.
4. In the mid-20th century, The company expanded rapidly and became a popular destination for shoe shopping across the country.
5. The company played a significant role in popularizing the concept of shopping malls, as many Kinney Shoes stores were strategically located in these new retail spaces.
6. Kinney Shoes was acquired by F.W. Woolworth Company in 1963, which contributed to its widespread presence in various shopping districts.
7. During the 1970s and 1980s, The company embraced the emerging trend of athletic footwear, offering a diverse range of sneakers and sports shoes.
8. In the 1990s, The company faced challenges and went through a series of ownership changes before eventually closing many of its stores.
9. The Kinney Shoes brand continues to exist in some form, with a focus on online retail and a limited number of physical stores.
10. Over its long history, The company has left a lasting legacy as a pioneer in the American footwear industry, contributing to the evolution of retail and consumer trends.

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