The New Balance store location at St. Clair Square Shopping Center will close this month.
The shoe store’s last day is Sunday, Nov. 26, according to store associate Victoria Martin. This is the second brand-name shoe store to close in Fairview Heights this year. A Skechers outlet store closed in June.
The New Balance store’s remaining inventory is currently available at reduced prices. Martin said in a phone interview that the stock has dwindled so much, however, that customers are turned away empty-handed.
Unable to provide an official reason for the closing, Martin said that many of their customers are unhappy about losing their go-to shoe store.
Martin also said that, over the years, the store serviced a lot of foot doctors, who recommended New Balance shoes to their patients.
Recent customer reviews on the store’s website included comments about the closing.
“Sorry you’re closing. Been a customer for many years. Recommend others to purchase from you,” wrote J.J. of Fairview Heights.
“I’ve purchased shoes at this store in Fairview Heights for years and always had excellent quality of service with a pleasant smile. I deeply regret the notice of your choice to close the only store in Metro East. I live and work in Illinois,” commented Ron S. of Fairview Heights.
Other reviews on the website were positive and included comments on the helpfulness of the staff, including Martin and store manager Zack Cheek.
Cheek was not at the store when I spoke with Martin.
Once the Fairview Heights store closes, the closest locations will be at 1205 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights and 11633 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, both in Missouri.
New Balance Fairview Heights opened in fall 2010 and is located at 6540 N. Illinois St., Suite 104.
Store hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call the store at 618-632-1640 or visit newbalance.com.
Jennifer Green has been with the Belleville News-Democrat since 2006. She covers restaurants and business openings/closings. Green is a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Please share tips and feedback at 618-239-2643 or [email protected].
