Joe King’s Shoe Store, a staple of downtown Concord since 1951, announces the launch of its upcoming 75th anniversary countdown, kicking off with the highly anticipated “Summer of Sales” event immediately following Market Days. As one of the few remaining independent, full-service family footwear stores in New England, the business is celebrating its survival through decades of retail evolution by bridging old-school service with modern technology.

Surviving and Evolving

While independent shoe retailers largely vanished during the suburban mall boom of the 1980s and the rise of massive e-commerce platforms, Joe King’s has continually defied the odds. Moving into its 75th year, the store is currently rolling out a comprehensive modern infrastructure update, including an upgraded Point of Sale (POS) system, a brand-new customer loyalty program, and a fully functional e-commerce website designed to bring their curated fitting expertise online.

“Every season we have new stock and updates from industry-leading brands,” says Stephanie King, third-generation operator who stepped into the business full-time after a 29-year teaching career in Loudon. “As we look toward our 75th anniversary on October 4th, 2026, we are dialing in our selections specifically to serve the contemporary trends and distinct needs of the Concord community.”

A Timeline of Footprint and Family

  • 1951: Founded by Joe King out of his Broadway Street home before opening a modest storefront on Warren Street and becoming “The Mayor of Warren Street.”
  • 1971: Sold to Joe’s son, Tom King, and his wife, Judi, who prioritized community connections and institutional service.
  • 1981: Store relocates to 18 Pleasant Street and Joe King officially retires.
  • 2001: Store relocates to its permanent, landmark home at 45 North Main Street.
  • 2024–present: Stephanie King transitions into full-time management, continuing the 3rd-generation family tradition alongside cousins and extended family.

Community and Global Impact

Joe King’s legacy is defined by service. Locally, the business continues to provide targeted professional discounts to local frontline workers, including the Concord Police and Fire Departments, local hospitals, regional commercial accounts, and teachers.

Globally, the store made international headlines in the winter of 1990 when Tom King bypassed tax deductions to ship over 1,100 pairs of shoes and boots alongside Concord’s Horizon Bank & Trust to a Romanian orphanage housing handicapped children.

The “Generational Fit”

Ultimately, the store attributes its survival to an unwavering commitment to the classic footwear model — utilizing custom Brannock measuring devices and personalized service. Today, long-standing customers routinely bring their grandchildren into the children’s section to be fitted on the exact same wooden bench they sat on as kids.

Milestone Season

To cap off this historic milestone, the store is inviting the community to join in on the celebration early. Beginning July 22, Joe King’s will kick off “75 Days of Special Offers,” a countdown of exclusive weekly promotions, new product releases, and special events leading up to the official anniversary on October 4th. This 75-day celebration is designed as a direct thank-you to the generations of Concord families who have made the store a local landmark. For more details on the upcoming daily offers and anniversary events, visit the store at 45 North Main Street or follow Joe King’s online