Gloversville shoe store celebrates 100 years in business

WNYT Staff

GLOVERSVILLE – Rossbach Shoes is lined with boxes with all kinds of shoes, from work boots to footwear for babies.

Local shoe stores with service can be hard to find these days. Three generations of Rossbachs have kept this place thriving.

[anvplayer video=”5086785″ station=”998132″]

Charlie Rossbach has customers who come in from all around the region.

Rossbach Shoes in Gloversville is celebrating 100 years in business.

"I treat them real well," said Rossbach. "I’m kind to everybody. I try to do the best I can for everybody. That’s how it’s worked. I kept the prices low."

The shop is lined with boxes of all kinds, but Rossbach can find just what he wants right away.

"I have a system. It’s all up in the computer upstairs," he said with a smile, pointing to his head. "People ask me, ‘How do you find stuff’ and I say ‘I know where it is!’"

There is old-fashioned service here.

"I’ll measure your foot, see what size you are, then I’ll bring out a bunch of stuff, and hopefully you’ll like them, and it works. We’ve been doing that for 100 years."

He’s third generation, after grandfather Christian and father Carl.

On this 100th anniversary, Charlie’s son Chuck, daughter-in-law Meaghan, and friends were here to celebrate.

Rossbach prides himself on giving service and attention, and he’s selective about the quality of shoes he buys.

He’s also a longtime firefighter, serving the community.

"There’s a lot of hard work a lot of determination, a lot of sweat, a lot of ups and downs, and I’ve known Charlie for a number of years, and I’m so proud of him. I really am," said Pleasant Square Fire Company Chief Bill Rowback.

"It would be really nice if our local government would make an acknowledgment of long-thriving businesses and maybe acknowledge them," said Rowback. "Or set a day out just for our local businesses that have strived for over 100 years of dedication to our city and providing for our citizens for Gloversville and also our surrounding cities."

"You treat the customer right," said Rossbach. "I try to show them a lot of stuff and keep the prices down for them, and they come back. I try to treat everybody like family, I really do."

[anvplayer video=”5086786″ station=”998132″]



The store on West Fulton Street is open every day except Sunday.