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TreadZ brings comfort casual shoes back to downtown Glenwood

Pete FowlerPost Independent StaffGlenwood Springs, CO Colorado

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Jon and Erin Zalinski are bringing comfort casual shoes back into downtown Glenwood.The New Castle couple opened their TreadZ shoe store at 732 Colorado Avenue just before Memorial Day after considering the prospect for about a year. The Z in TreadZ stands for Zalinski.Dragons Boot and Shoe closed for some reason (Glenwood Springs Mall). We thought bringing some comfort casual back to Glenwood was important, and we wanted to bring it to downtown rather than the mall or elsewhere, Jon said.He said specialty stores seem to lend themselves to being in downtown areas in Colorado mountain towns. The spot used to be a camera store called the Dark Room, one block off of Grand Avenue.Jon worked as a general manager for Summit Canyon and was familiar with shoe company representatives. After the Dragons Boot and Shoe store closed, he said, the reps suggested someone should sell shoes in downtown Glenwood again.The Zalinskis plan to emphasize customer service and do things like special ordering a certain pair of shoes or have shoes delivered. They plan to expand their selection and tailor it to the desires of the community. They also may expand the store into the currently unused basement.

Were in the comfort category. Its kind of like business casual to slightly dressy, Erin said. Our emphasis is definitely on quality and comfort, and we want to be stylish.Theyre running the business according to their own personal aesthetics. Erin said TreadZ will do business with environmentally responsible organizations. They have free coffee waiting for customers.TreadZ is a drop off location for Soles4Souls, a charity that gives used shoes to the needy around the world. TreadZ is giving anyone who donates used shoes this month a 10 percent discount on a purchase of new shoes.

The store itself looks snazzy after a renovation. The original brick and wood floor were exposed inside, while new interior elements were added like the patterned tin ceiling with black trim. The stores facade is nearly all glass. The exterior was stripped of paint and repainted. The side windows are also being redone. I dont think you would get this feel out of a mall or Meadows, Jon said.Jon, originally from Chicago, Ill., has been in the area for about 14 years. He met Erin and theyre now married and have two kids. Erin was originally from Michigan. She joked that they were ski bums in Aspen and eventually drifted downvalley to Glenwood Springs and then New Castle.TreadZ plans a grand opening celebration Aug. 16 including giveaways and shoe vendor representatives. The store has a Web site, which will be expanded, at http://www.treadzshoes.com. Jon said business has been good so far.Everyone whos come in has liked the space and liked the products, Jon said. Weve had a great response.Contact Pete Fowler: 384-9121pfowler@postindependent.comPost Independent, Glenwood Springs Colorado CO


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