Murray’s Shoes in Bloomington to close

Posted on May 3, 2018
Murray’s Shoes has been in business since 1875, but owner Joe Murray said he’s ready to close up shop and retire. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Murray’s Shoes)

By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – Following over 140 years of business in Bloomington, Murray’s Shoes is getting ready to close up shop for the last time.

The store originally opened in 1875, and now owner Joe Murray plans to retire June 23. Murray, who inherited the store from his father, explained with people preferring to shop online instead of going to the store, maintaining a retail store is more difficult today than ever before.

“The Amazon situation and the whole internet situation has really put a crunch, especially with the generation that’s going to be coming up because they’re so used to computers they think nothing of it,” said Murray.

Murray said aside from the business reasons for closing the store, he’s ready to begin his retirement.

“I now have got a lot of arthritis and different things, and while I’m in good health, I figured it was time to retire,” explained Murray.

Reflecting on his time in business, Murray said he’s grateful for the people that have come into his store.

“I’ve got a lot of wonderful memories with some wonderful customers,” Murray explained. “There’s a lot of wonderful things that have happened over the years here, and it’s always been a lot of fun to come to work.”

Murray said to keep the shop open, he would have had to sign a new lease and remodel the store. Once he retires, Murray said he wants to go on a cruise through the Panama Canal.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].

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