By Shandra Martinez
In a world where shopping habits constantly shift, Norm Henry Shoes has stood the test of time.
The family-owned shoe store in downtown Owosso is celebrating its sesquicentennial this year with a new look. As one of Michigan’s oldest continuously operating retailers, Norm Henry Shoes is a rare success story in independent retail.
“We completely renovated the store this year. We took it down to the original brick, restored the wood floors, and added new fixtures,” says Carla Merrill, owner and third-generation leader of the business. “We’ve talked about it for a decade, and we finally bit the bullet and did it.”
The project took place over the first three months of the year. Despite the scale of the effort, the store never closed. “We renovated one side at a time,” Merrill says. “It was tough. We had plaster dust everywhere, and cracked windows from the extreme cold. But it was worth it.”
Her son, Jon Selleck, who manages the business, says the new look has brought renewed energy to the store.
“Everyone who comes in says, ‘Wow, it looks so different.’ They love it,” Selleck said. “That kind of reaction reminds us why it was so important to refresh the store while keeping its original character.”
The store’s roots go back to 1875, when it opened as Stubert’s, part of a 25-store chain based in Detroit. In 1925, Dr. Imerman from Saginaw bought the store, and it then became part of a shoe store chain of 25 stores. That same year, Merrill’s grandfather, Guy Henry, began managing the store, and her father, Norm Henry, later purchased it. In 1959, Henry renamed it to reflect the family ownership and evolving identity.
Merrill, who graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in business and retail, returned to Owosso in 1976 to help the family business. She didn’t intend to stay, but never left.
Over the years, she expanded the business from four to seven locations across Mid-Michigan. Eventually, she sold the additional stores to focus on the flagship location.
Today, the business draws customers from 60 miles away and even farther.
“People who moved away still come back,” Selleck says. “There just aren’t many independent shoe stores left that specialize in fit and personalized service, or that carry and stock quality name-brand footwear in extended sizes and widths.”
Customer service has been the cornerstone of the business for generations.
“We measure and fit people’s feet. That’s something you don’t find very often anymore,” Merrill says. “And we carry both basics and fun, unique styles you can’t get in big-box stores.”
Selleck adds that many customers come specifically to avoid the frustrations of online shopping.
“We hear it all the time that people are tired of sending things back,” Selleck said. “They want to try things on, get fitted properly, and walk out with something that works for them.”
The Owosso Argus Press
April 2, 1926
The business has evolved with the changing retail landscape. Athletic shoes are one of the fastest-growing categories, Merrill notes, with many brands dressing up traditional athletic styles for more formal looks.
Social media plays a growing role in marketing and customer engagement. Merrill and Selleck get digital help from Selleck’s sister Paige, who lives in Brooklyn and contributes to the store’s Instagram and Facebook presence.
Norm Henry Shoes has been a member of the Michigan Retailers Association since 1993.
Merrill recalls her father being involved with the organization long before she officially took over. The store has benefited from a range of member services, including workers’ compensation insurance, credit card processing, shipping discounts, and marketing support.
“They even took my son and me to Washington, D.C., to help advocate for online sales tax fairness,” Merrill says. “It’s great to be part of a network that supports independent retailers like us and gives us a stronger voice.”
As for the future, Merrill hopes the updated space and continued family involvement will keep Norm Henry Shoes thriving.
“I’m 71 now and thinking about retirement, but the renovation really renewed my excitement for the business,” she says. “It feels like we’ve hit reset. It’s a fresh chapter, and we’re seeing a lot of new, younger customers.”
Selleck says the store’s growth continues to trend upward.
“Business is strong, and people still value what we offer. That’s what gives me confidence about the future of retail, especially when it’s rooted in community and quality.”
