Wow! I worked part time at this store in late 70's. Continued to work for Butler Shoes about 9 years. Managed stores in New Bern, NC and Salisbury, MD. Lots of people still come to mind. Bill Williams, JR Freeman, and Wally McCaskill were my supervisors back then. Left company to join military. When I got out, Butler Shoes was just a memory.

Can’t believe I found this site. I started working for Butler’s part-time in high school (1968) at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, LA and continued in home office (first on Brookside Drive I think it was called in downtown Atlanta and then on Terrell Mill Road in Marietta) through 1982 as Advertising Director. Then handled their advertising for several years after that. Almost all of the names mentioned by everyone are familiar to me and bring back so many great memories. I was also married to Wayne Wall (merchandiser and then shoe buyer) while in Atlanta. Again thanks for the memories, everyone!

Worked at Butler’s in Albany NY with Bill Guido and Parvis Monem, Bill was the manager Parvis and I were assistant managers, we both were promoted I went to Clifton Park he got Dolci’s in the Crossgates Mall, Parvis was a huge baseball fan like me and we did have some good times, BIll was newly married and went back to Rochester As I remember. One Christmas we had a party in one of the stores and it was wild, all good but wild, I still remember thoSe days in crossgates mall.

For anyone who might be interested, I’m old school Butlers. Started in 1964 in Pine Bluff as Assistant Manager for John Padgett. Went to Florence Alabama in 1965 as manager and in 1966 John went to Kentucky and I took Pine Bluff. In 1969 Billy Parrish went from Tuscaloosa to Macon Georgia and I took his store. In 1971 Dick Rehling went from St Joe Missouri to Michigan and I took his store. In 1973 McCain Mall opened in N Little Rock Arkansas and I moved back to Arkansas. We Closed the store in 1991 and I went to work for Sam’s Club until 2004 and retired. If the GOOD LORD leaves me here until March 5th I’ll be 81. Mr ID Shapiro was President and Charlie Hudson was General Manager. My first DM was Talmadge Tyler and worked for all the old school DM’s and VP’s. Everett Head, Frank Hicks, Talmadge DeRamus, Jerry Etheridge, Ray Burroughs, TJ Watts, Bill Gossin and lots more younger ones that passed through McCain Mall as I was there for 18 years. I don’t do a lot these days except hang out at home and watch lots of tv an Facebook. Probably not a lot of us old timers left but would love to hear from you.

Worked at Butler shoe store Key West Florida while going to high school part-time as a shoe salesman

Started at Butlers 1969 while in H.S. Memphis tn at Lamar and Airways After H.S. was promoted to Asst. Mgr downtown Memphis under Dick Rehling Got my first store to manage in Hot Springs Ark several years later transferred back to Memphis at the Frayser store then Southland Mall....Fond memories for sure Great respect for DM Talmadge Deramus or Mr. D as we called him

Does anyone know what ever happened to Joey Shappiro from Butlers ?

I knew quite a few of these people. My husband Howard Pender was manager in Shelby, NC, Charlotte, NC and Gastonia, NC. He worked in Greenville and Charleston was well. Evander Pender is his brother. Howard was killed by a driver that crossed the centerline and hit his 65 VW head on in 2018. Evander is living in Myrtle Beach, SC. He’s in poor health. I remember JR Freeman and Harvey Clark very well from the short time I worked in the Gastonia store.

Wow just found this site and saw a lot of familiar names, I worked for Butler's in Philly from 77-83, and district manager based in Denver from 83-92 and one year at corporate in Ga. Still living in Colorado. Had great people work for me and worked with some good people!

I did not work for Bakers but I did work for Précis. I would love to contact my district manager in Chicago. Her name was Christy. I can’t remember her last name. If anyone know her , please put me in contact.smyt7

mr hyde contact me I could not find you I live in Alabama now.

I started working for Butler's in 1975 in Fairfield, Al @ store #270 for Bill Drummond, Bill Parrish was the DM. When Mr. D became an auditor, Mike Kennamer became store manager. I then got promoted to mgr. of #284 in Selma, Al. Had to leave then to much cash leaving the drawer. So sorry to hear that Bill Parrish passed away for the 10 years that I was in Tuscaloosa, the wife and I would go to his restaurant about once a month. Mr. D. contact me on facebook!9

Just ran into this site I worked for Butler's for 19 yearsabout 10 of those years as a store manager and the rest of the time in distribution as a branch manager. Ran stores from Jackson Mississippi to Maplewood Minnesota.Distribution center from Thorofare New Jersey to Taunton Massachusetts

Was always curious what happened to the company. I will always have fond memories of Butler shoe company. I worked with Butlers from January 1975 to December 1987 ( writing seemed to be on the wall for them going under. Worked in Key West, Bradenton, Ft Pierce, and n Miami Bch. Great to see names of people I worked with over those years who mentored this wayward son. Kudos especially to Tom Stone. Great story to tell about Aubrey Schatzman getting stranded in Key West.Learned great management skills that have helped me in my next career of 30+ years. Don Gingras glorifindal@hotmail.com

oh wowza. i worked at the 163rd street mall in north miami beach florida. one of the funnest times i have had at a job. met great people and. Melinda, Michelle,Liz Dan Gourley Rick Anderson and oh so many others. I often think of the fun times and hope all you Old Timers are good.Worked there from1986- years later. Ft. Pierce and Boynton beach.

Billy Parrish was D M in dallas ft worth and in bham al

# 72-where in Texas did Billy Parrish DM for? I can't quite recall my DM's name although I was thinkin it might have been Hugh Olson? For some reason Bill Parrish sounds very familiar to me thou and I'm not sure why...

Hello. Anybody remember a store whose parent company was Butlers Shoes called Shoe Secrets in Dallas, Texas back in 1983-'87? Nice company to work for. Miss those young carefree days!

know if anyone remembers Billy Parrish he was a store manager in Alabama several stores and district manager in Alabama and Texas.He passed away today in Northport Al.

My father, Harvey Clark, worked for Marilyn's - I recognized so many names while scrolling through these posts! I've always wondered about David Moody - he worked in the store Dad managed in Rocky Mount, NC, and was a good friend to our family.

I worked for Butlers Shoes in Philadelphia from 1978 through 1983. It was my first "real" job. I worked part-time all through college, and I loved working there. I was also the bookkeeper for the two biggest Philadelphia stores. The company was always very fair and accommodating to my school schedule. I learned quite a lot about business working at Butlers!

Jimmy Allen or the whezz nick name by Terry Marshall. If any of the old veterans that know me here is my email Jim-allen@comcast.net or phone 559-246-1567. Great times and great people with Butlers.

Worked for Butlers from 1971 to 1982 in Jackson Tn, Pine Buff Ar, Memphis Tn, shreveport Louisiana and Southern California. Steve Ellis, Freddy Joseph, John Miller

I am happy to announce I am retiring from 20 years in blood banking today and I am going to work full-time with Scholarships for Children. My comments on this page are 47 and 48. I wish I could get ahold of Ted commenter 40. We worked together for a long time. I am in contact with Marc and Charlene now by mail. I am friends with Rommie Kelley, commenter 25 and 29 on Facebook. Ted Thomason is still in Arizona based on what I have heard. I would like to hear from him. 480-827-2166 land line and 480-287 -0850 is wireless. I will mention to Rommie that he needs to update us all on his travels. Armando Angulo’s younger sister saw my post on this page and called me and we reminisced. She said Armando passed in 2005 from cancer. He was a great boss and district manager. I am on new adventures. I have been thinking about starting Door to Door Delivery of water, ice, juice and food for the homeless. Give me a few months and I will report back. Butler Shoes was great and I have many, many fond memories. Ted of you are out there contact me….

I started my Butler's Shoes Career in downtown Savannah, Ga. My Manager was William Singleton, cashier was the lovely Della Brown. I was a young cocky, scrappy young Savannah State/Armstong State College man with nothing but ambition to be the "Best" there was to be for Butler's Shoes. At the time, Ken Pittman (No Relation) was our District Manager. I finished my Manager Trainee Program and got my first store in the Tallahassee Mall, Tallahassee, Fl. I was so good there (double the sales 2 years straight) they move me to Selma Mall in Selma, Ala. I also double the Sales there in 2 years. Then Finally, I got my just Reward. They Rebuilt the Bulter's Shoes Store in the Greenbriar Mall, Atlanta, Ga and gave it to me to manage. The first 7 Months, my Sales were THROUGH THE ROOF!!! Then Finally, (after being with the company for 5 years 1981- 1986) the Cooporation wanted to meet me. It was 2 surprises discovered that day. One..Butler's Shoes discovered...I was a BLACK MAN. And two.. I found out that the only reason I had been Promoted to all of those different Stores, was NOT because I was great at what I was doing.... But for all of those years, from start to finish, they actually thought that my initial District Manager (Mr. Ken Pittman a white man) was my RELATIVE. Just like, at the time, Juan Watts (then the President of Butler's Shoes) Son was Jr. Watts was a Manager of a Store in Cumberland Mall in Atlanta, and I was "Blowing his Doors Off" in Sales. After that discovery, EVERYTHING went to Hell. Inventory came up missing, Sales were not counted or calculated properly. The Brand New "Porta-Verta" start acting up constantly. Nightly Deposites was dissappearing and reappearing after "Loss Prevention" had to get involved. As much as I Loved The Shoe Sales business back then and even though it was the 80s, there was STILL PREJUDICE in that company for NO REASON. Believe Me, I was NOT the only Black Manager that experience the PREJUDICE STING of BUTLER'S SHOES COOPERATION.

Believe it or not, but back in the days the steel toe shoes were extremely popular, and many people of certain lower subcultures wore them as if they were fashionable accessories. https://www.brandcruz.com/p/jessica-simpson-wendah-platform-evening-sandals

What a great experience! Pompano Beach Fashion Square with "Blackie" as manager and Dottie behind the counter. Henry Smith, Tom Stone, Joe Latino. Reunion time??

I've enjoyed reading all of these posts regarding working at Butler Shoes. I started in 1986 at Eastlake Square Mall in Tampa, FL and with the help and guidance of my store manager Greg Schaut and district manager Aubrey Schatzman. In two years I progressed from sales clerk to assistant manager and ultimately I was promoted to store manager of the Butler's location in Bradenton, FL at the Desoto Square Mall. I learned a lot about the retail business during my short 4 yrs at Butler's, but more importantly, I grew and learned a lot about life in general. It was a wonderful and terrific time in my life. Besides the names I referenced previously, there was an auditor by the name of Jim Tidwell who was such a positive influence on me and kept me focused on the big picture. I look forward to reading more testimonials about former Butler employees. Take care and God Bless.

What a great company to work for back in the day. I started my time with Butler's in 1971 as salesman in Clarksville, TN. Moved to Memphis and worked downtown for Marshall Hutton until the Raleigh Springs store opened in 1972 and I became Manager at 19. I managed stores in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and New Orleans until 1979. I had the privilege to work with Talmedge DeRamus, Aubrey Shatzman,Billy Parrish, and Dave Faircloth to name a few.

"Butler's Shoes" I will always be thankful for the relationships, mentoring, experience, accomplishments, and most of all the great people that that great company provided my family. I am still proud to be a part of the Butler family.

I worked for Butler's and Ansonia in the Baltimore area from 1981-1984. I trained in Downtown Baltimore, Golden Ring, and White Marsh. I helped open the Butler's in Hunt Valley and was the store manager there. I helped open the Ansonia in Columbia Mall and managed that store until I left the company in 1984. I learned a lot about managing a business and managing people from some really great store managers and a terrific DM, Tom Giles.Good times...

I ran across this page last evening while surfing and was so surprised to see so many postings. I was employed by Butler Shoes in 1976 right after getting out of the service in Norfolk, VA. I worked both Pembroke Mall, VA Beach under manager Chuck Monnett (spelling) and District Manager Sam Doyle. I moved to Military Circle and worked for Bill Turner and soon was tagged with the title of King of The Porta Verter for those who remember that damn thing as I never could master the thing. Moved to Frederick Maryland store and from there all over the place. I see names such as Don Lastinger, Kenny Foreman , JR Freeman, Ray Burroughs, Joe Shapiro Don Smith , Frank Smith and many many others I worked for and with over my 10 years with Butlers. Did a short stint as internal auditor before going back into a store in Woodbridge, NJ and left Butlers in 1986. Have remained in the shoe business for all these years and currently am Executive Account Manager for Red Wing Shoes. I have run into one old friend, Charlie Knovak at The Shoe Department several years ago. Anyone wishing to reach out can email me at rick.wakefield@redwingshoes.com or my cell at (848) 250-3145. Would be great to catch up!

I worked as a Store Manager for Butlers from 1976 to 1984 in Georgia, Ohio, Louisiana, and California. Last sore was Malings 566 in West Covina Calif. I trained a lady named Robin Mayer who later became the first lady District Manager in the chain. She married and I don't know her married name.I would love to find her.

anyone know what happen to Robert storey,jimmy walker,mike burdsall t. tyler or joe shapiro

looking for marvin walburg worked in miami beackl959/1960..his uncle was distric manager max beach was manager season time help

I worked for Butlers from 1971 to 1988. It was the best training ground for retail. Met many great people there over the years and some like myself are still in the business, Mike Floyd, George Slaughter, Greg Foss, Wayne Wall, Max Taylor

I started out in Crosscheck Mall, Fayetteville, NC, in 1980. Store manager was Walter McCaskill. He was a really great guy. He and JR Freeman started in the company at the same time in Fayetteville. We had a Hot Feet store across the aisle from us where Loretta Freeman (JR's wife) worked. Walter trained a lot of managers before and after me. Hal Levine, Frank Fowler, Michael Forrester, James Pender. Our DM's were Harvey Clark, then Bill Williams. JR was the regional manager. Since JR lived in Fayetteville, we saw him weekly. He and Walter were good friends. I got my first store in Chapel Hill, NC. Bill was my DM. While in Chapel Hill, I had visits from Jaun Watts. My second month in Chapel Hill, I received calls from JR and Jaun because I had the largest weekly increase in the country. We closed the store in Chapel Hill when the lease ran out. I worked with David Hedrick in Durham while waiting for them to find me a store. JR called one morning and offered me the store in Athens, GA. I was glad to get back to GA. Tim Watts was the DM and Ray Burroughs was the RM. I had auditors along the way: Jack Denton, Ken Forman. I left for other ventures in 1984. I wonder where some of these folks are now.

Wow - never thought about how big Butlers was back in the day. My first job(s) were at the Butlers Stores in Va. Beach and Military Circle Mall. Learned so much about salesmanship and how to hustle (moving fast, not the other hustle - ok, maybe a just a little). I think the one thing that stuck with me all these years is learning how to anticipate the customers reaction and objections - and having a good answer ready for them when it occurred.Butlers shoes also gave the me opportunity to learn how well West Va. 'shine would clean price tag ink off of anything. At least that's what my Va. Beach manager told me when I found the mason jar under the register. Good times!

The ultimate  shoe store working experience. Dave Newel, Bob Schneckenberger, Sally Walker, Irene Sanders,   Laura Langsdale  and Chuck Berringer! Y'all are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best working years of my life were with Butlers Shoe Corp. I started in 1961 in Durham, N.C. My 1st mgr. was Bob Clark. I managed stores in Florence, Anderson, Richmond, Columbia and a couple of other cities. My best friend in all

My father & brother worked for Butler Shoe Corp in several states across the country. It was a huge part of our lives. My father was a regional and with Butlers for over 30 years, my brother Gene was a merchandiser in the Atl office. I ran stores in Southern California. I recognize several names in these posts and hope these people are doing well.

I want to know anyone who worked with my mother, Cheryl Brown at the Butlers Macon, Ga store location in the late 1970s/early 1980s or who the manager was there then? She loved this job so but has become greatly ill. I just want to be able to recall some memories that would surprise her that I know to see her smile again. Thank you for any info or help in advance.

2 years ago Allen Greenfield proposed a Butler Veterans Site so here it is. Free posting of your comments and wonderful memories. http://www.pbase.com/orangecones/butlersveteransite

I worked for Butlers from 77 to 88 starting at Ansonia shoes in Christown mall with manager Bob and Rick and DM Bill R and sales people Marc and Charlene. Jerry and Becky were across the mall at Purple Cow. Ray was the manager of Bakers on the corner. Ansonia was Beck Industries that went bankrupt and Butler acquired Ansonia. Since both stores were in the same mall, Ansonia closed and we transferred to Butler on the west end of the mall across from Woolworth’s and next to KB Toys and Miracle Mile with George and Jill. Armando was the manager of Butlers and during the transition Armando became the District Manager, Keri became manager of Butlers in Christown and I went to Metro Center Butlers where Robbie was the manager. Robbie decided to return to Texas and I became manager of Butlers Metro Center later transferring back to Christown as manager. Orlando L, Kim, Jack J, Nancy, Ted T, John T, and Mary K were a few of the wonderful people who worked at the Christown store. Armando was a great boss. I really enjoyed working there. Tony at Tony’s Shoe Repair was our repairperson. John T went to Montgomery Wards, Ted T went on as a manager, and when I left Butler, I went to JC Penney. After Penney, I went on for 25 years in Retail and then 16 years in Banking. I had a wonderful time and will cherish all the wonderful memories and friends I made forever. Call me 480-827-2166.

I worked at Foleys dept.store ,we had a Butlers shoe store in the mall there,and I was approached by a rep from Butlers that wanted me to come work for them.I passed on the offer,because of school schedule.I remember Butlers as being a really great shoe store,and was flattered that they asked me to consider joining them.The reason I came to this site was because I am looking for a shoe and did a search for Butlers,I did not realize they were closed.

My father actually was a store manager for many years for Marilyn shoes. I worked part time in high school and after college went to work for Butler's in the home office and weekends in down town Atlanta store. I held several positions , merchandiser, assistant v.p.buyer assistant, merchandise systems. It was a 24 year experience which can not be replaced. Most all the people who have commented on the previous blogs I worked along side with for many years. Good luck to all

Butler Shoes downtown Daytona Beach 1950"s  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204129153890127&set=gm.666259033466377&type=1&theater

I worked for the butler shoe corp in Phoenix, Tukwila wa, Lynwood wa and managed a store in Hayward ca. Worked with some great people.

I have migrated this to a Butler's-Marilyn Blog on my wordpress site - http://allengreenfield.wordpress.com/2014/05/10/the-marilyn-and-butler-shoe-site-add-your-memories/

I see mentions of Talmadge Deramus Bill Payne both lived in the Memphis area Bill Day was the DM. Jim Talent was the regional I managed Southland Mall store 78 later ran every N O store at one time or another except the Plaza store Dave Faircloth was the DM later Bill Day then Tom Stone who I think stills lives in N O area

I worked for Butler Shoe Corporation in Phoenix, AZ from 1977 to 1987. It was originally Ansonia Shoes then switched to Butlers. I then went to work for Hot Feet and then a Malings in California. My District Manager was Armando Angulo. He was a great guy.

HEY.. thanks to Tim Isaac for sending me this link. I worked for George Croft and Tim. I eventually moved as a manager to Tallahassee, Florida. I spent most of my time in Past Time Billiards in Tallahassee. Nothing but good memories for me with Butler's.

Started in 1973 with Butlers while in HIGH school in Valdosta Ga. I remember Jim Talent as DM I think. Then moved to Macon Ga worked under Tim Isaacs then Lynn Kilpatrick.Frank Hicks was DM and Ray Boroughs Regional. Later took a store in Johnson City TN DM was Harvey Clark. Later he moved me to Ashville NC then to Anderson SC. Changed DM to Kim Pittman. Few years later Juan Watts and Boroughs calls me at home to go to Hollywood FL. Tom Stone was DM. Eventually transferred back to Macon where Butler began to change. Evander Pender had become an auditor. Tim Watts my DM. Moved to Carolina again as DM. Met many great people--Dan Gourley Mark Thomas JR Freeman Aubrey Shatzman Don Lastinger Paul Barbarisi Ken Forman and many many others. Butler's was a great company and knew how to give excellent customer service. Great training.

Everyone in my family worked for Butlers at one time or another. My sister Anita and my brother Robert.  My father however was Aubrey Schatzman and he was at one point Vice-president under Joe Shapiro.  When I was a young boy Mr. Shapiro and a few other I don't remember used to come to our house for cocktails. My father passed away in 2011.  He devoted much of hois life to Butlers.   

My first job was with Butlers starting in 1972 at 15 years old in Greenville SC. 1st mgr was Bill Payne, then one of the finest in the business, Warren "Red" Christian. He passed away just a few months ago. Continued in the business with Rack Room Shoes. A 30 plus year career in shoes. Dan Gourley, old buddy, I see your name on this site. Some other great friends I remember are, Harvey Clark, JR Freeman, Evander Pender, Ray Burroughs, Juan Watts, Charlie Hudson, joe Shapiro, many others. Great times and memories. Should have a Butlers reunion one day. I can be reached at mathomas504@cs.com

Would love to hear from old Butler friends and associates. dg530@comcast.net

i started to wk for butlers as a saturday extra/marty mittleman was mgr charlie hudson dist mgr i helped open store in later years charlestonsc-gastonia nc-jacksonville fla worked many seasons in miami beach-hollywood-ft laudrdale atlanta-ga clarence furer-perry smolen buddy chatham-max beach russ certo richard knuckles walter randolph-these men were some of the best shoe men i ever worked for.winsto salem nc charlote nc you cannot replace these men they new how to sell shoes evena 7/1/2 i hope all is well with x butlers employees grear memories

In the early 1970's I worked for Murray Kalish in the display department for Butlers Shoes. It was an interesting place to work. I made some good friends that I still keep in contact with today. .

Nice click. Perfect view of the store.

Thanks to Donnie M. I post these pix of Butler's Stores in Florida. Still wish we could start a "Butler Alum" site!http://www.floridamemory.com/solr-search/results/?q=%28butler%27s%20shoes%20OR%20tt%3Abutler%27s%20shoes%5E10%29&query=butler%27s%20shoeshttp://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/53624http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/45069http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/45048http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/81678http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/233702http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/81681http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/81682http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/89019http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/89027http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/89038http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/17484

Started with Butler Shoes in 1984 at Merritt Square Mall in Merritt Island, FL. Transferred to Hollywood Fashion Center in 1986, Broward Mall 1989, Pembroke Lakes Mall 1992, and finally Boynton Beach in '96. Met some truly wonderful people along the way: Ray Burroughs, Jim Talent, Aubrey Shautzman, Tommy Stone, Dan Gourley, and Rick Anderson. Some of the greatest times of my life were spent at Butlers. The comical changes when they tried to divide the company into 4 separate divisions in the late 80's (Dolcis, Tip Toe, Ansonia, etc.) have never dampened my love for this once great shoe giant! Hey guys! Keep that "findings" % up! I also wanted to say that Mr. David Bissland was one of the greatest shoe salespersons I ever saw!

As I previously stated, I was with Butler's for 27 years and managed 5 stores across 3 states. My last store was in McCain Mall in North Little Rock Arkansas. I opened it and closed it. I never got to see the profit my store made, but, I was in competition with Memphis and Dallas and was always in the top 5 volume wise and always managed a bonus. Maybe not always a big bonus, but, a bonus. Mr ID Shapiro was president when I came with them in 1964. I also remember Al Greenfield even though I didn't have the pleasure of meeting him. Mr Hudson called me into Atlanta numerous times to pick out merchandise and offered me a district on several occasions. I hated travel and being away from my family so I never accepted one. I really enjoyed the years I was with them. They always gave me whatever I needed to do the job, and, they listened to me. Outside of my family, they were my life and I still miss working for them

[Thanks to Steve Rowland for this. I recall fondly the happier days, pretty much all my early life till I was 24.] February 1988 articlesFootwear NewsSears PLC chief hedges on possible Butler sale. (Butler Shoe Corp.)Footwear News| February 22, 1988 | Fallon, James; Tahmincioglu, Eve | CopyrightSears PLC chief hedges on possible Butler saleResponding to a report that Sears PLC plans to sell its Atlanta-based Butler Shoe Corp. and that store closures are imminent, Geoffrey Maitland Smith, chairman of Sears PLC, said, "There are plans afoot to do certain things, which we are investigating."Closures are one of the possibilities open to us. We also have toyed with the idea of a management buyout. What I'm saying is that there are all sorts of things that could be in play.""There is no third party involved," he added, in reference to a report that New York-based investment bank Shearson Lehman Hutton has been involved in the effort. "Something happens there from time to time. I always say I'm a good listener."Lynn Kelly, president of Butler, confirmed that closures were definite, but in regard to the sale of Butler, he said, "That's news to me. I'd be alarmed to find that out. There are a tremendous amount of rumors."As far as closing stores (goes), there is no question of negotiations (to close) unprofitable (locations). Some of the stores are very unprofitable, and others are profitable. I don't know of a retailer that isn't looking to close unprofitable stores. Normally, we close 20 stores because of leases coming up."We have targeted 30 unprofitable stores to close over a 24-month period and replace those with at least that many in shopping centers where we don't have a good penetration."When asked about reports from a source close to Butler that the company had suffered a 1987 loss of $20 million, Kelly said, "That's not accurate," though he added that the company went through a restructuring and that it "had a difficult year."As for '87 sales, Kelly said, "There was a downturn in total sales in the fourth quarter, but the end-of-the-year figures were marginally ahead of last year." He added that business in January and February was "slightly ahead."p.s. Someone want to start a "Bultlers Veteran Site"?Allen Greenfield

I worked with The Butler Group from 1982-90. I managed a store in Georgia, was an assistant manager for a few years, sold shoes at multiple stores around Atlanta. Times certainly have changed, you had to prove yourself then and things were very competitive.I worked with some amazing people and didn't mind making the guys look bad, back when they could still take it and it was all good fun. You didn't have to "perform" if you were female,although I heard of some (all rumor) who thought it would help them and did. There were some Al Bundy's for sure. I left for Banker's hours, but appreciate all I learned about business from Butler's.

What a pleasure it is, reading everyone's posts, and seeing that some of you worked for the same men I did, and had similar fond memories.    I think the idea of a Butler's and etc. vetran's site is great.

Worked for Butler's from 1964-1991. Started in Pine Bluff Arkansas as Assistant Mgr and went on to manage 5 different stores across 3 states. Florence, al,Pine Bluff, Ar,Tuscaloosa, Al,St Joe, Mo,Little Rock, Ar. Was with them 27 years and must say that those were some very happy days. Worked for Charlie Hudson, Talmadge Tyler, Frank Hicks, Talmadge DeRamus, Everet Head, Jerry Etheridge, Romie Butler, Rick Croom, Bill Day are the ones that come to mind. I finished my career at McCain Mall in N little Rock in 1991 when the company was falling apart and they closed my store. They made me several offers but I saw the handwriting on the wall. I spent 12 years with Sam's Club and retired in 2004.      

After working with them for about 3 years they had a big change new president, they changed all the Mailing shoe names to Tip Toe, I left there in 89 I think about a year after that they started closing the stores

I worked for butler shoes in Tacoma, Washington I worked there from 1983 - 1989 I managed 5 different stores in 3 different states started in Washington, went to Oregon, back to Washington, then last in Los Angeles

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-6369427/sears-plc-chief-hedges.html

I made a mistake on the '1500' stores, that is the total they had when I left we did approx 950 stores in my time. Butler was sold by Zales to Sears Holdings of England. Butler had a hostile takeover and dissolution not too long after I left. There's a long story behind that. In regards to a couple of comments below, I worked with Frank Hicks during my time, he was a class gentleman. Also. Murray Kalish, yes, he was VP, but was also in charge of the entire 'display' section of the business in how the shores were displayed to the customer, windows and interiors. That was truly an operation. I had 17 people under my supervision in Design/Construction and I reported to Howard Morgan, when I left. My previous superior, Mickey Bjork, went into the display design business and made a huge success of it.

I had an urge to Google: 'Butler Shoe Corporation', a moment ago, and this link came up on top. I worked in the Atlanta, GA, Butler corporate offices, starting at the Brookwood office, beginning as a designer/draftsman in 1976 and ended as the Manager of Store Planning and Construction in 1986, at the Terrell Mill office. I had some class bosses in Mickey Bjork, who I am still in contact with, and who is truly a class guy, and Howard Morgan, Bruce Feuer, and others, as well as Joe Shapiro. We designed, built, and remodeled the stores in conjunction with the Dallas, TX office of Zales. Upwards of 1500 stores were built or remodeled in that span of time. I left to go into my own Design/Construction business. Very pleasant memories or those people and times.

Amazing how many people show up here from all over the Butler's-Marilyn-S&J Simowitz shoe universe. There really ought to be a "Butler's Veterans" site. Anyone wanna go for it? I'll certainly have some stuff to share.

worked for butlers shoes from 1960 till 1978 managed stores in savannah ga, bradenton fl, bham al , opelika al, and was auditor for about two years west coast , my first dm was joe shapiro, later worked for frank hicks ,toby storey. ray bourrougs ,t.tyler and a host of shoe dogs,,, now live in dallas,tx

I worked for them in 1984 to 1989 Moved From Jonesboro aR To Bryan College Station Tx then to houston Tx Ran One of the larger stores in houston I was only 19 when they made me mgr of the one in College station Bill Day Was my DM in Jonesboro or memphis area and Larry Byrd in bryan CS Ron Brown was my DM in Houston Mike Kennamer was in San Anotnio and New orleans I heard somone mention Talmadge D He was an auditor in the Mid 80's with butlers I am very thankful for the training i Got with them. Loved most every minute of it.

i worked at butlers in 1973 at lauderhill mall in ft lauderdale fl. i remember everyone made it fun, one of my coworkers charles carter was great. his brother played football for the denver broncos, rubin carter. i was 17 years old and made pretty good money. i got married and bought the ring at zales in 74 awesome memories there.

Wow, some familiar names here. My father, Albert S. Greenfield was Executive VP of Butlers and had a lot to do with the merger with the Zale Jewelry people in the early 1970s. He had come up with many of the people at Marilyn Shoes in Augusta GA, which belonged to my Uncles Sam and Joe Simowitz. http://allengreenfield.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/greenfield-greenfeld-simowitz-my-family-history/During the Great Depression he'd been looking for work, met Issie Shapiro (my Godfather) who recruited him to come South and work for S&J. Butlers eventually suffered the same fate as lots of regional businesses in America - bought out and shut down. I can be reached at bishop171@gmail.com

I just wanted add that I remembered the name of my last DM ... Frank Hicks. He was one hell of a nice guy, a gentleman, and an inspiration.

I started part-time with Butler's in Little Rock, Arkansas in late 1969, and became a manager about a year later, in Jackson, Tennessee. I subsequently got stores in Clarksville, TN, Macon, GA (#333), and Warner Robins, GA. I left Butler's in 1976. Names that were important to me at that time: Tommy Stone, my first manager, about 2 years older than me; Talmadge DeRamus, my DM for most of my time as manager; Charlie Hudson,General Manager, I think. I can't recall the last name of my last DM, and even though our parting was a bit strained, I admired and respected him from that day to this.I worked with some great people: Freddie Joseph, Billy Lile, Bobby Bell, Stan Bush, George Croft. Many more. I was just a kid when they made me a manager, and it was the best formative experience a young man could have. I am grateful for every moment.

I worked with many wonderful people for almost 25 years.  I have a lot of great memories.  I started in Daytona Beach in the 70's and ended up in CA before the company changed it name Butler Group.  They changed all the stores to either Sam & Libby or Jones New York.  During the second liquidation I left the company.  They sold the remaining stores to Bakers/Leeds around 2000

I worked for Butler's in Florence, AL in 1973 when they closed the store. My first day of looking for work in Tuscaloosa I was hired at Butler's in McFarland Mall (now gone) I loved it and made a fortune. At 8% comm I made about 8 bucks an hour. They did not drug test but my asst manager flunked his polygraph. A few days later my manager found a dead armadillo in his car. itsten

I just found this newpaper article on the internet from 1936.http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1964&dat=19361120&id=A_0sAAAAIBAJ&sjid=m7YFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1029,1672660

My gradfather was Joseph Kalish.  Did he have any other roles with Butlers in addition to being a Vice President in Atlanta?

My father, Israel David Shapiro was president of Butler Shoe Corp. and then he was the Chairman of the Board when my brother, Joe Shapiro took over as President.Butler's was the second largest Women and Children shoe chain in the country that did not manufacture their own shoes. They ended up with over 847 stores when my brother resigned to persue other interests.

worked for Butler for 16 years managed stores in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Memphis, Pompano Beach Florida. What a great experience that was.

I was Southeastern Regional District Mgr. for Butlers Shoes Discount Division. It was in the 60s and 70s.that Butlers began leasing the shoe depts. of the big discount stores that were opening. It was a new era of shopping and Butlers was in on the ground floor. K-Mart was one of Butlers large accts. I enjoyed working for Butlers and my managers were the best. Hope some of you guys read this, it would be great to hear from you. Don

I was a store manager for Butler's Shoes for over ten years.The home office was in Atlanta, GA. Marilyn Shoes was part of the same company. At one time we had over 300 stores, mainly in the south and along the East Coast.Greatest company I have ever worked for in over 55 years of working.

Butlers was one store that was very affordable and you could always find shoes that were different (style) from all the rest and pay less.Thanks Butlers for all that you've done.Now is there any store any where today?

worked at Butler Shoes at Southside Plaza from 1972 to 1980 what a great place to make money selling shoes worked Mr James Westbook

How many weekends before Easter did my mother drag my sister and me to Butler's Shoes for Easter shoes? We'd start at Belks on the lower end of Main Street, walk all the way up to the Fox or Carolina Theater, have lunch at either Tanner's Big Orange or Pete's, and all the way back down and when we were through, we each had new shoes, socks, dresses, purses, gloves and hats. I'm 55 and my sister is 57. Those were gentler, happier times. We just didn't know it. . .

Butler Shoes was a company that had several stores throughout the US. They also were associated with Mailing Shoes in some northern states like Michigan and N. Ill. In it's later days they were owned by parent company Zales