Why did we relocate?
I know this is on some of your minds because you have asked me when you stopped in the new store. So I thought it might help to take a moment to explain my reasoning.
31 years we spent in the old shopping center across the street. We moved around and had 5 different locations within that center over the years.
This brings up two key points. First, that center is old. It has been around for 40+years and structurally shows its age. It features low ceilings, poor insulation and an overall dull feel, in my opinion. Yes, we have several local friends who were neighbors of ours, Zinger Hardware, Shoe Boxes, and Terra Toys, but the opportunity to relocate into a brand new space with modern insulation that helps us conserve energy is important. Also, the new layout has a much more modern feel, and enables us to partner with Melissa & Doug Toys to bring to Austin the largest selection of their toys anywhere on the planet. 
Second, I have a history of trying new things and reinventing ourselves along the way. Many of you do not realize how your faithfulness has impacted our local business. Sandy’s Shoes is the largest single store distributor- in the NATION, of several of the brands we carry! Tsukihoshi, Pedipeds, See Kai Run, and Aetrex for kids all can count Sandy’s as their largest single store retailer in America. We were the first children’s store to feature the Aetrex i-Step technology for measuring children’s feet.
Furthermore, we are the first business in Austin to partner with the YMCA, giving a portion of each and every sale to support the YMCA Partner of Youth initiative, (www.austinymca.org). The YMCA does not turn away any family or child because of inability to pay. Last year, the YMCA provided some $1.7 million dollars to allow children here in Austin to participate in life enhancing programs like Swim Lessons, After School Care, Summer Camps and more. Because of our awesome customers, together we will provide a minimum of $12,000 dollars to bless families right here in our community and make a real difference in the lives of kids.
Finally, we have the honor to be serving a second generation of Austin area families. I am now fitting the children of those I fit in shoes years ago. Once I got over the fact that I am old…I realized how special that is. We want to provide these parents and their children the best- the best products- the best technology- and the best experience they could imagine. Hopefully, we will have the honor of fitting a third generation also.
