Family-Owned Shoe Store Closing After 77 Years In Towson

TOWSON, MD — A beloved shoe shop is shuttering after serving Baltimore County since 1948.

Towson Bootery, which prided itself on fitting shoes "the old fashion way," will close its store in The Shops at Kenilworth on March 23.

The family-owned business announced the news on Feb. 25 and launched a storewide sale on March 1. Store credits, gift cards and outstanding orders should be redeemed by Sunday.

"After 77 wonderful years of serving our community, we are sad to announce that Towson Bootery will be closing its doors," the shop said in an announcement posted on its Facebook page and its website. "We sincerely appreciate your support over the years."

R. Richard Rudolph opened the original store on York Road. The business moved to the Kenilworth mall in 1996.

R. Richard Rudolph passed ownership to his son, Alex Rudolph.

Alex Rudolph owned and operated the store alongside his daughter, Stefanie Rudolph.

"I enjoyed running up and down the aisles and playing with shoes, causing a ruckus, trying to stamp checks, sweeping outside. It was just home," Stefanie Rudolph told WMAR.

Stefanie Rudolph told the TV station her father died in December, leaving a noticeable hole in the business.

"He was here seven days a week; he barely took off. This was his livelihood. This was his everyday," she told WMAR. "I didn't know how to continue without his, I guess, mind manual."

The Shops at Kenilworth said, "Alex and Towson Bootery will be greatly missed."

"It is with deep appreciation that we acknowledge the significant role that Towson Bootery has played in the Towson community, offering not just high-quality products but also unparalleled service," The Shops at Kenilworth said on Facebook. "While saddened by the closure, we recognize the tremendous positive influence the business has had in Towson and beyond. The legacy created will not be forgotten, and we are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and care that Alex and his team demonstrated."

To learn why "there are no other stores like this," read WMAR's story.