I noticed something different about the twitter feeds coming from Takken’s. Rather than promoting what shoes they have on sale, they often post links and share news about issues in their community and accross the country. Everything from the economy to crime. It caught my eye and I was curious to find out more about them. I was able to get on a call with Cris and Marc Takken and Rachel Miller who is the person behind their social media and it was immediatley apperent to me that they truly care about their community and rather than just being a store you can go by a new pair of shoes from….they are a valuable part of their community. I love it. What a better way to gain committed and loyal customers than to support them through community efforts? I instantly became a fan of the Takkens crew and am happy to share their story! 

 Cris and Marc Takken

Takken’s Shoes is celebrating its 72nd year in business this month. Based in San Luis Obispo, California for three generations we have grown to 24 retail locations throughout the state.  Hard work, staying on top of trends and innovations has led to our continued success.

In 1937, Harry Takken opened a small shoe repair shop in downtown San Luis Obispo.  His attention to detail, quick wit and personal interest in his customer’s welfare made his business a success and a cornerstone of the community.  His son Robert continued the tradition of personal service, and added a retail element to the store.  The demand for more stores began in 1987 and has continued throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium. The corporation is still run by Robert with the help of two of his sons.

The Takken’s Shoes locations of today look very different from the original repair shop of 1937, but some things will always be the same.  Whether a store specializes in Clarks of England and Dansko clogs, or DC skate shoes and Converse Chuck Taylors, in every Takken’s Shoes you will find knowledgeable staff dedicated to making your experience with us exceptional.

At Takken’s Shoes we don’t just sell shoes!  It is our belief that if a retailer relies on product as their only differentiation from the competition, then that retailer is exposed if and when a larger competitor comes to town.  What differentiates Takken’s from the competition is the Takken’s experience.  At Takken’s Shoes, not only will you get knowledgeable, warm and friendly staff, but you will be able to make a difference in your community.

In each community that we choose to do business in we try to make a difference in that community. We are proud to sponsor local sporting teams and events and advertise in local high school newspapers to help fund school activities. Takken’s participates in annual food and clothing drives to benefit local charities as well as collecting new and used footwear to donate to Soles4Souls approved charities. Takken’s is often the lead sponsor of local seasonal parades and a prominent fixture at fundraisers and charitable auctions.

We believe that to be truly successful is to be at the heart of a community and a meeting place not just a retail store. Over the last few years we have introduced Senior Tuesdays, Free Coffee Fridays and Mall Walkers Club. Selling shoes gives us a great opportunity to get to know all aspects of our communities and to offer services they need. 

At the retail level, we offer in-store services that our competition does not – all in the name of creating an exceptional experience.  Free shoe shines, foot scanning technology, Soles4souls donation boxes, expert foot measuring and podiatric referrals are all part of the shopping experience at Takken’s Shoes. At Takken’s, we aren’t just selling shoes, we are selling an experience! 

Takken’s Shoes specializes in comfort shoes and footwear for the whole family. We are one of the largest independent UGG Australia retailers in the United States and offer many specialized comfort shoe brands that are not widely available at other shoe retailers.

-Rachel

Follow Takken’s on Twitter: www.twitter.com/takkens