By Erica Hoffman
The Fischer family has been helping properly fit children’s feet while finding them the right pair of shoes through three generations, and almost 75 years. Despite the ease of online shopping not to mention a global pandemic, this quintessential mom and pop store is thriving as it sits comfortably inside of Central Square Shopping Center in Linwood.
The still charming shoe store first opened as “Irv Fischer’s Shoes” in 1946 in Atlantic City after Fischer came home from serving in the Navy. Originally, in addition to selling shoes for the whole family, the store also worked with orthopedic doctors to fix foot development problems.
Sadly for the Fischer family, Irv died young at the age of 44. Fortunately, his steady work ethic lived on in his sons Norman and Martin, who both began working at the store before they were even teenagers. The two were able to take over the store, ultimately moving it to Margate, where it was lovingly run by Norman and his wife Audrey for nearly 40 years.
Keeping with the Fischer tradition, Norman’s son, Alan began working at the store at the young age of 13. After graduating college, Alan took over as the now third-generation owner of Fischer’s Shoes.
In 1996 Fischer moved the popular shoe store to its current home in Linwood, where you will occasionally see Norman helping out behind the counter, where they still use the original cash register from 1946.
Even though times are far from normal, their classic small-town charm and commitment to exceptional service have not changed. They measure every customer using the old school, tried and true Brannock device which measures the length and width of feet, ultimately helping to find the right shoes that fit properly (we all know how uncomfortable wearing the wrong size shoe is).
Keep in mind you will need an appointment (and a mask) for your next visit to Fischer’s Shoes. To make an appointment you can visit their website, www.fischershoes.com.
Here’s to supporting local small businesses!
Erica Hoffman was born in Atlantic City and is proud to be writing for Shore Local. She lives in South Jersey and enjoys finding and sharing the lighter side of life.
