Lee's Shoes, Boots, and Clothing has been in Decatur a long time. We interviewed owners Don and Freda Gresham about their business and what sets them apart!
Lee's been in business in Decatur since 1947, and you are a 3rd generation owner. What made your family decide to open a business in the River City?
Freda: Grandma and Grandpa started it with my dad, as it was his dream. They were willing to come in with my dad, and when he graduated school in 1947, that following August 24th, my dad's dream of this store was opened up. While my dad served in the war, my grandpartents ran the store while he was away. When he returned from military service, he came back to Decatur and took over the store. It's been in the family ever since. When my dad retired in 1995, I told him I would take over. And my husband, Don, and I have been running it ever since.
Many years ago, your former building location on Highway 67 burned, forcing you to find a new home for Lee's Shoes, Boots, and Clothing. Gateway Shopping Center is where you are currently located. How did that decision come about?
On December 6, 2000, our previous location burned. As it was a total loss, we were looking for an affordable spot, and needed to keep our customer base going. We found this location, and have been here ever since.
Tell us a little about what you sell here at Lee's, in case our readers have never visited.
Freda: Men's work and western is our primary focus. That includes footwear (safety toe and non-safety toe), lace-up and slip-on work boots, specialized footwear, wallets, and belts.
Don: We carry pants and jeans (Wrangler, Carhartt, Dickies), hats, shirts (Wrangler, Ely, Dickies, Carhartt), coats, overalls, coveralls (insulated (Key and Carhartt), non-insulated (Dickies - short and long sleeve). We sell a little bit of everything and carry a large variety of brands: Liberty, Wrangler, Justin, Rocky, Durango, Georgia, Carolina, Nocona, Ely, Dickies, Abilene, Sage ... just to name a few. We order straight from the factory on boots and clothing. If you have a question, just call us!
What makes your business different than that of big box stores?
Freda: Personal Service. We are here to serve.
Don: When our customers come in, we listen to them on what they ask for, then we get can get a better idea of what they need. We can pull out 10 to 15 options, because each customer is different in what they are comfortable with.
Freda: We carry many different brands in all of our products, but we can special order most items that our customers need. We also offer layaway and work with our customers to help them get the products they need.
Lee's Shoes, Boots, and Clothing is located in Gateway Shopping Center, 1820 6th Avenue, Suite O. Stop in and say hello!