Anne-Marie Balackl

Browns Shoes Inc.

Browns Shoes is a family-owned business established in Montreal in 1940. Browns is synonymous with top international designer collections, luxurious leather goods, and exclusive street savvy fashion for ladies, men and children. One of the secrets to the success of the chain is the retail philosophy of chairman Morton Brownstein, who explains, "I want every customer to say, ‘I need to go to Browns,' not ‘I need to buy a pair of shoes.' If we accomplish this, then we have succeeded in equating shoes with Browns in a customer's mind, so that for her or him, the only place to purchase shoes is Browns." Browns is enthusiastic about its role as the leading retailer of fashion footwear in Canada. The company has plans to open new locations and to renovate several stores, as well as to expand designer collections and introduce new exclusive lines.