Higgins Shoes

When it comes to shoes, Romans have been coming to Higgins Shoes for more than 80 years.

For much of the last six decades, Higgins operated a store on Broad Street and in West Rome. The downtown shop closed in 2000, but business has continued from the location at 428 Shorter Ave. under the watchful eye of owner Lydell Ayers.

Ayers worked for the Higginses until he bought them out too long ago to remember.

“We’ve got the best people working here,” Ayers said. He’s been associated with the store since 1946.

Rick Harwell, Gretchen Yarbrough and Louise Walraven have all been with Ayers for years. They know their customers and they know shoes.

“If anyone in Rome has trouble with their feet, they usually end up here,” Ayers says proudly.

Higgins carries many brand name lines of shoes for men and women including Florsheim, Merrell, Rieker, Alegria and Trotters. The shop stocks a full line of Carpenter Self Starters baby shoes.

In addition to everyday fashion shoes, Higgins has been supplying tap and ballet shoes to dancers in Rome for decades. In addition to the specialty shoes, Higgins also stocks a wide selection of dancewear for young ladies.

Ayers credits the store’s success to offering quality products and quality service. He also gives a great deal of credit to his loyal customers.

“Even during the last two or three recessions, we’ve always managed to have pretty good business,” Ayers said. “There’s not many mom and pop shoe stores out there.”

Higgins is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and can be contacted by phone at 706-291-4596.

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