After 29 years in business, Imelda's Shoes has closed.
Imelda's consisted of multiple retail stores based in Portland, Oregon.
Including Imelda's Shoes, Louie's Shoes for Men, Imelda's Apparel and Gifts, and the webstore imeldas.com.
A farewell message from Imelda's owner/founder Pam:
As we prepare to close the doors to Imelda’s for good January 9th, I reflect on the last 29 years with feelings of gratitude. It’s been a privilege to be a retailer in a city like Portland, with business associations that collaborate to address the needs of our community. The tremendous support from our customers over the years and during COVID closures and re-openings, fills me with hope that community still matters and shopping small and local is still of value. Imelda’s thrived because our customers understand the value of unique, locally owned businesses. We have been overwhelmed and moved by the heartfelt responses to our closure announcement. Many of you came in person just to say ‘goodbye,’ ‘thank you,’ and to wish us well. I am truly humbled by your well wishes.
I couldn’t have run Imelda’s without an amazing team. I’d like to thank the current staff at Imelda’s who have been loyal to the end. Kendra, Laura, Zoe, Leslie, Olga, Juan, Mac, Liz, Ellie, Milena and Darcie- THANK YOU! I couldn’t have done this, physically or emotionally, without all of you. I want to acknowledge and thank past employees Amos, Lauren and Shane, whose collaborations and hard work made Imelda’s a great place to work and shop. I’d also like to thank lifestyle photographer Jason Quigley and the many amazing local models who contributed to our vibrant ad campaigns throughout the years. Lastly, I’d like to thank the vendors who partnered with us, often becoming friends. Without those partnerships, we would not have been able to curate the distinct product mix that drew customers to Imelda’s and Louie’s and in turn exposed their brands to a new audience.
As I leave Imelda’s, I am looking forward to future endeavors and exciting opportunities. Thank you Portland, stay strong and weird. It’s been a great ride!
Xoxo,
Pam Coven
