Comfort One Shoes Owner to Purchase Why Not Shop Building in Old Town Alexandria

The Manassas-based Comfort One Shoes has plans to purchase 200 King St., the former location of the Why Not Shop? in Old Town Alexandria, Maurice Breton, the president of the company, confirmed Monday with Patch.

The firm operates 21 stores in the region. This acquisition will bring the store count to 22.

The prestigiously located three-story brick building dates back to 1800 and sits across the street from Breton's store at 201 King Street. Breton says he plans to open another shoe store at the 200 King Street location.

Breton did not disclose the sale price but the City assessed the value of the building and land this year at $2,420,692.

Comfort One has been located at the corner of King and N. Lee streets for 23 years, since 1993. The company has remained local and family-owned (Breton's son Garrett is a vice president at the company) since 1993, serving Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.

The company's awards include:

• Voted #1 Sit & Fit Retailer, 2015 Plus Awards
• Top 10 Independent Retailer, 2013, 2014, 2015, Footwear News
• Gold Medal Service Award, 2015 Footwear Insight
• 2011 NSRA Retailer of the Year

Breton is planning to make a few renovations of the 200 King Street location, at King and S. Lee streets. Comfort One filed papers with the City's Board of Architectural Review requesting to make some renovations to the 200 King Street property. The proposed changes go before the Board Wednesday night.

Image of 200 King Street via Google