There’s just something extraordinary about a fourth generation family business that’s still passionate about every new customer.

With tradition and trust as the cornerstones of their 102 years in business, Lebo’s is widely known as the premier source in the Carolinas for quality, comfortable footwear. Their tagline – footwear, western, work and dance – speaks to the wide reach of their dedication to a variety of customers – no matter what their lifestyle or hobby!

The very definition of a destination shopping experience, you’ll find Lebo’s in Charlotte, Pineville, Concord, Gastonia, Monroe, Rock Hill, SC and, most recently, at their newest store in Denver, NC serving the Lake Norman area. When you’re out and about around the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas, you’ll spot Lebo’s branded trucks delivering right to local stores.

Sidney Levin founded Lebo’s in 1923, when the first store opened under the same name in uptown Charlotte. A shortened version of his wife’s maiden name – Lebowitz – the name and reputation quickly caught on. By 1952, Jerry Levin – Lebo’s CEO who will turn 101 years old at the end of October – had expanded the brand by adding a dancewear department based on customer requests for tap and ballet shoes. Today, you’ll find leotards, tights, briefs, tutus and, of course, shoes – everything from jazz, ballet, tap, clogging, pointe, ballroom and square dance shoes, to sneakers for Zumba. And, if it’s back-to-school season, you can bet the Lebo’s team is visiting local dance schools – fitting aspiring young dancers for their dream shoes.

Another shining example of listening to customers, the Lebo’s western wear department was launched as a response to the needs of local farmers and equestrians.

“Farmers came in after harvesting tobacco, and they needed boots,” explains Mark Goldsmith, Mr. Levin’s son-in-law who came on board in 1984 and is now the president of Lebo’s. “Our current western category includes boots, shirts, jeans and hats, but that’s where the western side of our story began.”

Mark’s son, Brian Goldsmith, vice president, officially joined the business in 2008 bringing  financial planning experience to the mix, as well as certification as a pedorthist. Daughter Tracy Goldsmith Lisk made her official debut with the family business in 2013 and balances many roles as e-commerce director. It’s no small feat to be the fourth generation in a successful family business, and while both Brian and Tracy worked in the stores growing up, each felt led to return by a true desire to continue growing the Lebo’s legacy. Grandfather Jerry couldn’t be more proud!

“I always wanted Lebo’s to be a family business, so my son and son-in-law could be part of what my father and I created,” Jerry shares. “I had my grandchildren work in the stores when they were teenagers, so they would know how it felt to produce an income. I continue to want the family operating the business, so I’m thrilled to know my grandson, Brian, and my granddaughter, Tracy, will continue to make Lebo’s a family institution.”

Brian especially enjoys being out and about in the stores – interacting personally with customers.

“The brands we carry set us apart, but that dynamic between our salespeople and our customers is just very unique,” he adds.

Brian shares their current biggest category is ladies shoes, with men’s boots (both western and work wear) in second place. Comfort brands are what customers seek, and carrying hard-to-find sizes is a definite plus.

“Your podiatrist can also send us a prescription for modifications, and we have the tools for that,” Mark explains. “Plus, many of the top brands we carry accommodate a variety of foot issues. That means shoes that are actually good for your feet can now be cute and stylish, as well!”

Through changing times, trend shifts and the challenges of COVID, Lebo’s has remained loyal to serving their customers any way possible. During the pandemic, online shopping made that happen.

“It was a happy coincidence we had just gotten our website up and running when Covid hit,” Tracy explains. The team quickly adapted, and Tracy stresses you’ll find the same Lebo’s  customer service when shopping online that you do in their stores.

Treating customers like family will never go out of style, and Mark will tell you there’s plenty of “old school” ways that still make all the difference! Lebo’s is growing faster than ever, and their devotion remains clear – when it comes to knowing customers by name (and these days recognizing several generations), every employee is keenly aware of their customers’ loyalty.

When you visit a Lebo’s store, you’ll be personally waited on, measured and fitted for the perfect shoes, while enjoying the nearly lost art of personal service. Family is a daily blessing at Lebo’s, and that includes every member of the team – who you’ll likely share a story or a laugh with while you’re shopping.

“We have many employees who have been with us more than 30 years,” says Mark. He then shares that longtime Concord employee – “Miss Joyce” – is now in her eighties. Yes, she was there when the store opened!

Make Lebo’s your destination stop for ultra-comfortable footwear – with convenient locations all around the Carolinas. Visit lebos.com to find the store nearest you. Ordering online and picking up at your favorite retail location is easy – and unsurpassed customer service is available by calling 704.321.5000.