Olly Shoes is a store I’m completely loyal too. When someone asks where to buy kids shoes I always say Olly. We discovered them when they opened shop at a local outdoor shopping mall, and ever since I stepped in their doors for the first time we’ve shopped there for our kids’ shoes. With 4 kids and constantly growing feet you can imagine we’ve been in more than just a few times.
The brands they carry are certainly pricier than Payless, or big box stores, but they last longer, and keep my kids from having sore legs and aches and pains from running around all day. My kids also all have weird feet just like me-a bit narrow and long-so finding a style that fits them isn’t always easy.
We generally only buy one pair of shoes per child, so in the end I think we make out better than buying a couple of cheap pairs of shoes that they would wear out. Bonus if you get into the store at the right time you can find awesome deals on things like NorthFace coats, holiday dresses, and even those ubiquitous Crocs.
Mom Blogger Day at Olly
Recently I got to attend a mom blogger’s day at Olly, where founder and mom of 4, Katherine, shared her reasons for starting the company. When she said she started it so that her kids could walk into the store and touch everything I was totally nodding my head in agreement. We also got to hear from the CEO, and several brand representatives about their shoes.
At the event, like in the store, Olly nailed the kid factor by having a talented face painter, a balloon artist, and yummy snacks for the kids (and coffee for the grown ups).
Why I love Olly
Olly’s stores are staffed by friendly and helpful people, shoe sizing is done on a train, and the staff go out of their way to help you find what you’re looking for. The staff helped me find 2 awesome pairs of shoes that day, one for each of the younger kids, and Katherine even helped me out when it was time to go and meltdowns were ensuing by grabbing the Crocs my youngest had left inside. (I was supremely embarrassed, but I know she is a mom of 4-so I’m sure she’s been in my place many times before)
It doesn’t hurt that Olly stocks amazing brands like Robeez, Uggs, Pediped, Crocodile Creek, Umi, and Tsukihoshi (my fave brand since they are completely machine washable!).
Tsukihoshi “Speed”
Maybe you aren’t fortunate enough to have an Olly store nearby, well you’re in luck! They just launched OllyShoes.com, an online store for all the awesome brands they carry, without having to travel to their store.
Discount for Centsible Readers!
Olly is offering Centsible Life readers a discount through 9/2- sorry for the short notice, but this is the perfect time to buy back to school shoes!
Use code “Olly_10_disc” which gets you 10% Off and Free Shipping on orders $75 or more!
Kelly
Disclosure: I attended the event, and was given a swag bag from Olly.
I have never hear of Olly & there is no store in Ottawa. But I’ll checkout the online site.
Nice to see a new brand, shoes look great.