Family Shoe Store

135- E. Walnut St. 735-2093

Phil Bedford is carrying on a family tradition at the Family Shoe Store on East Walnut Street in downtown Goldsboro.

His father, Guy Bedford managed Merit Shoes on Center Street for a chain company and decided to go into business for himself in 1963.

Today, Family Shoe has the area's largest selection of men's, women's and children's shoes from famous name brands like Rockport, Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, Brass Boo and Bass for men.

Ladies shoes feature names like Vanelli, Ros Hammerson, Naturalizer, Trotters, Life Stride, Amanda, Hushpuppies, J. Renee and Dansko Clogs. Family Shoe also has the area's largest selection and best prices on SAS Comfort Shoes for men and women.

The store carries children's shoes like Stride Rite, Sperry Topsider — and New Balance for the whole family. They also have socks, hosiery, handbags and polish, shoe strings and orthopedics.

"We are an old fashioned shoe store that has an experienced staff that knows how to measure feet and help find a comfortable fit," Bedford said. "We specialize in hard-to-find sizes." The store carries men's shoes from size 6 to 17 and women's shoes from size 4 to 13. And you'll be able to find very narrow and very wide shoes right there in stock.

Family Shoe is a full-service shoe store, and many doctors — some from out of town — send their patients to the Bedfords for help finding just the right shoe.

And for 44 years, the store has been doing just that.

The store recently underwent a facade renovation as part of the downtown development project — evidence of the Bedfords' commitment to their community.

It is a dedication Phil learned at the hand of his father, Guy Bedford, who died in March.

Mr. Bedford and his wife, "Pete," had worked together at the store through almost 40 years. She has since retired.

Phil said he and his wife, Janice, are ready to serve the next generation of Family Shoe customers with the same dedication and commitment to quality.