Hillsboro shoe shop: ‘Community responded to shop local’

HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) — When Jon Gimre spoke with KOIN 6 Information in April as the pandemic began, there was a lot of uncertainty. But he mentioned the community support together with financial loans and grants served him pull by the past extend of 2020.

Due to the fact then, Gimre’s Footwear has made fantastic strides despite the worries. “It’s been a genuine exciting time to go via,” he claimed.

Around these months, buyers shifted their preference from high style to ease and comfort — “little Chelsea boots and lowered heel boots,” he claimed, adding he’s even experienced a tricky time trying to keep slippers in inventory.

“The slippers with the shearling linings have been really good. Anything at all that’s genuinely snug and heat has actually been driving a ton of the company,” he explained to KOIN 6 Information. “The Birkenstock line has been very well-liked this time of 12 months.”

But in April he was not certain if he’d be equipped to keep in organization when the shutdowns were being first purchased. He experienced to use 2 times right before acquiring a Paycheck Security Program personal loan.

“It was a catfight to get the bank loan previous time,” he explained. “If we did not get that I’m not positive what our problem would be, if we’d be here speaking these days.”

He also acquired neighborhood grants and loans that aided continue to keep the store heading.

“The Town of Hillsboro has experienced quite a few rounds of grants they made available. Same in Washington County.”

And although general he’s down 20% more than last 12 months, there have been times in which things appeared typical.

“We’ve had some weeks exactly where we have matched and hit past years’ figures and which is been kind of our purpose,” Gimre said. “I sense fortuitous where we are. Even at 20% down, we are executing great.”

Customers even now have a person extra working day right before Christmas and he said the local community has been a brilliant spot in an if not outrageous yr.

“The community has actually responded to store nearby and support the local busineses and we’ve genuinely felt that,” he mentioned.