Stevenson’s Shoe Clinic is celebrating its 90th birthday this year.
The business is among the oldest in the capital region and — incredibly — four generations of the same family have served behind its counter.
Alec Stevenson, originally from Scotland, founded the business in 1925. For perspective, William Lyon Mackenzie King was the prime minister, Liberal John Oliver was B.C.’s premier and the Victoria Cougars won the Stanley Cup that year.
After training in Seattle, Alec Stevenson moved to Victoria and opened the shoe clinic, with his wife, Vivian, doing the books. Nephew Jack Phillion and his wife, Gwynneth, became owners in 1955. In turn, their son, John Phillion and his wife, Julie, bought the business in 1986. They are still owners and oldest son Dennis is learning the trade.
It’s detailed, precise work, and takes years to master.
Dennis, 39, is learning under two Stevenson’s staff, each with decades at the business.
After working in another field in Toronto for years, Dennis returned to Victoria five years ago to join the family tradition.
“Every day is different. Every day, I learn something new,” he said Tuesday.
Customers who frequent the 2,500-square-foot store at 714 Fort St., are greeted by the rich scent of leather. Its shelves are filled with products including laces, orthotics, luggage, wooden shoe trees, brushes, polish, and travel accessories.
The business began in the 600 block of Fort Street and moved to its current location in 1986.
John Phillion, 62, joined Stevenson’s after spending a year working at a local sawmill. “I was invited to come in as a young married man. It suited my lifestyle — better than working the midnight shift at the mill.”
He praised the staff, calling them the “pistons of the shop.”
Internet shopping has generated more business for Stevenson’s. Every week about 10 pair of ill-fitting shoes are brought in by customers who purchased products online, said Julie. John adds that the demand for shoe-stretching has doubled.
Services include rebuilding shoes and applying new soles and heels. Dennis holds up a thin rubber sole, saying it will protect a leather sole, which can be damaged by rain and salt in this climate.
Customer Tom Guest has been a regular at Stevenson’s for more than 14 years. “They give great customer service and always do a great job,” he said.
