Business of the Week – J & N Shoes / Mr. D’s Sports

You help your community thrive when you shop locally!  Be sure to read The Prowers Journal each week when we highlight a featured Business of the Week.

This week we spotlight J & N Shoes / Mr. D’s Sports at 100 South Main in Lamar, owned and operated by Jennifer Steward.

You know us at J&N Shoes/Mr. D’s Sports, but DO you really know US? I was given the opportunity to share some of our history and services that you might not be familiar with. We have been your local footwear store since 1961. As you know, a lot has changed in the last 50 years. How does a business exist for that long? Simply because we have loyal, satisfied customers who continue to support us, without them we would not be here.

In 1992 we expanded to 100 South Main Street with Mr. D’s Sports, and I became a partner in the business. I purchased the rest of the business in 2006. My passion is to satisfy my customer! How do we accomplish this? By listening to you, our customer, we listen to your needs and try to solve your problems with your feet. My enjoyment comes when I have a repeat customer say, “Those shoes you sold me have sure made my feet feel better.” Or, “I cannot believe I have worn the wrong size shoe all these years!” Or, “Thank you for ordering that, I couldn’t find it anywhere.” These are the things that bring great joy to my life and keep me going strong in the tough retail years.

Yes, it is fun to go to the big city and see what’s new, but have you checked your local businesses? I hear remarks quite frequently of, “Oh, I saw this out-of-town. I didn’t know you had it here!” Keep in mind all the extras a small business as ours provides, personally knowing you, your size and your lifestyle helps me in providing for you when I make my purchases at market. We are convenient and here, if and when exchanges need to be made. When you shop with us, you’re choosing from over 80 current name brand products from Adidas to Ugg Boots. In the mall, you must go from store to store and then back again when you’ve made a choice. Why not save time and see it all under one roof. No, we are not a big box shore and never will be as customer service is the most important product we offer.

Is there a special occasion coming up in your life? Come in and we’ll help you find a tuxedo that will make the occasion memorable. We offer a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes. Then pick out your prom shoes and make that dress dazzle. You might also find a handy handbag to help keep your organized, or a billfold, watch or keychain.

By shopping locally with us, you are also supporting your community. Because of your business I am able to sponsor various activities in the community, teams and regional programs throughout the year. Will the mall do that for our local community and our youth?

Our sports department is always expanding. Athletic shoes were our start, but we now offer most anything in the baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling or soccer department. If we don’t have it, we will try to get it for you in less than ten days.

Play a fun game of Frisbee golf on these nice fall days. We have the discs for that too; need something in which to carry all that sports equipment, we have anything from a small bag to a carrier with wheels to pull wherever you go.

Screen-printing may not be visible when you walk in the front door, but the back room tells the story. As the designs are created, silk screens cleaned and reburned, shirts ordered…received and counted. Tables turn as the ink is applied to your shirts with your individual team design. Come in with an idea and you will soon see it completed per your request.

Our shelves are stocked and new styles are available for fall. We have a full range of Ugg Boots and new styles from your favorite brands. Neff apparel, sports watches and sunglasses…they are a fun, new line.

Now you know more about us. Please come in, look around and share your needs with me. Find something you like and I can get to know more about you. We are so privileged to live in a small community that cares about each other like one big family. Let’s just keep it going for another 50 years. I love Lamar and appreciate every one of you and the business you have done and will continue to do with me in the future. We are here because you support us.

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