Store History

Penn-Lee Footwear opened in 1961 and remains one of the oldest privately owned shoe stores in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We believe that fitting you right is our full-time job. Just like it was done in the 1960’s, we still measure customers’ feet by hand in order to provide the most comfortable footwear for their lifestyle. Our dedication to authentic customer service is why are known as the “old-fashioned shoe store.”

Store owner Stanley Zurek started working at Penn-Lee in 1972. He worked as a manager for 30 years, during which time he became an expert in all aspects of the shoe business—buying, merchandising, advertising and everything in between. In 2003, Stan purchased Penn-Lee Footwear from its previous owner and turned it into his family business. He is passionate about carrying on the traditions of the 1960’s while leaving room for innovative new products and ideas.

Stan has not only expanded the store’s inventory of footwear styles and brands; he also created a new mobile delivery system. 2003 marked the launch of the Penn-Lee Shoe Truck, which specializes in safety toe shoes and boots. The truck delivers footwear to manufacturing and warehousing facilities, where customers are fitted on site. This concept of “bringing the store to you” offers a unique convenience for customers of safety footwear.

Outside of work, Stan enjoys restoring and driving his vintage red ’61 Cadillac. It was built the same year that Penn-Lee opened for business!