MOOSE JAW — Gemmell’s Shoes, a cornerstone of Moose Jaw’s downtown since 1952, is facing potential closure after 73 years of dedicated service — unless a new owner steps up to continue its legacy.
Founded by Norman and Jeanette Gemmell in 1952, the family-owned retail store has been synonymous with quality footwear and personalized customer service. Owner Nigel Gemmell, representing the third generation of Gemmells to manage the store, expressed a strong desire to preserve his family’s legacy by passing the business on to a new owner.
“We’re looking to hopefully find someone who wants to carry on the business. It would be a good opportunity for someone to step into a well-established business that already has the best customer base ever,” Gemmell said. “Our customers keep coming back year after year.”
Gemmell’s Shoes has been a trusted footwear destination in Moose Jaw for decades, known for its wide selection of dress, casual, athletic, work, and western shoes and boots in a range of sizes and widths.
The store is deeply rooted in the Gemmell family’s history. After a fire in 1975 destroyed the original location on Athabasca Street East, the Gemmells relocated to 110 Main Street North where the store continues to operate. Gemmell’s father took over the business in 1984 and he assumed ownership around 14 years ago.
Reflecting on the store’s impact, Gemmell highlighted the meaningful connections formed over the years.
“The best thing, and the thing that always sticks out in my memory, is when you really get to help someone improve their quality of life,” he said. “Customers have walked in, barely able to walk, and all they needed was a really good pair of properly fitted footwear to enjoy more activities.”
Gemmell has decided to sell as he pursues new professional opportunities, including work in the mortgage industry. Juggling multiple responsibilities has become increasingly demanding, and he now aims to streamline his workload.
“I have way too many irons in the fire, and I don’t want to drop customer service anywhere,” he said. “I want to continue to always have the super high customer service that we’re known for.”
To facilitate the transition, the store is holding its most significant sale to date, aiming to reduce inventory and make the business more accessible to potential buyers — as evidenced by a routinely packed retail space in recent weeks.
If a potential new owner does express interest, Gemmell said he’s committed to supporting them through the transition period.
“I’ll be willing to share any information and insights to help the next people be successful. It’s a pretty special business and is close to my heart,” he said.
If nobody steps forward, Gemmell said he’ll simply continue to sell off the remaining inventory until there’s none left.
The community continues to show strong support for the local retailer, and Gemmell expressed his heartfelt gratitude in return.
“I want to give a huge thank you to everyone who’s come through our doors over the last 73 years. We are very, very grateful for them and for the opportunity to help them.”
As the search for a successor continues, the future of Gemmell’s Shoes remains uncertain. Gemmell’s hope is that the right person will step forward to continue the legacy of his family business and a longstanding downtown staple.
No official closing date has been set, as this will depend on the ongoing effort to sell the business.
Gemmell’s Shoes is located at 110 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-694-0165. For more information, visit GemmellsShoes.ca or “Gemmell’s Shoes” on Facebook.
