From Family Legacy to Modern Retail: The Kunitz Shoes Story

In this episode of The Footwear Retailer Podcast, Pete Mohr sits down with siblings and second-generation owners Morgan and Everett Kunitz of Kunitz Shoes—a proudly independent retailer that’s scaled with intention, weathered challenges, and built a private label brand that speaks directly to their Edmonton customers.

From navigating family succession to building out a highly functional eCommerce platform and crossing oceans to source custom-designed footwear, this episode offers a raw, honest look into what it really takes to sustain and grow a legacy business in today’s unpredictable retail climate.

Whether you're in footwear retail, managing a family business, or just looking for smart ways to adapt your operations—this episode is full of actionable gold.

🧠 Key Takeaways for Viewers:

→ Succession planning takes time, strategy, and flexibility—learn how Morgan and Everett transitioned ownership without debt overload
 → Not all expansion is equal—hear why they closed one location, relocated another, and what they’d do differently now
 → Your website is your third store—discover how they built an online presence that fuels in-store sales
 → Private label success isn’t about scale—it’s about timing, relationships, and knowing your customer
 → Marketing doesn’t have to be boring—see how they integrate community, creativity, and local artists into campaigns
 → Sometimes the smartest move is saying no—find out how they handle late deliveries, vendor issues, and when to sit on stock for the right moment
 → Your best investment might be your own business—why they prioritize cash flow, margin, and smart inventory management

🎙️ Connect with the Guest:

🛍️ Visit their website: https://kunitzshoes.ca
📧 Contact Morgan & Everett: [email protected]
📸 Follow them on Instagram & Facebook: @kunitz_shoes / @kunitzshoes

Connect with Host Pete Mohr:

Website: https://simplifyingentrepreneurship.com
Podcast: https://www.thefootwearretailer.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermohr/

Running your business shouldn’t mean running yourself into the ground.

The 10 Laws for Moving from Operator to Owner is a free downloadable guide to help you systemize your operations, empower your team, and actually enjoy the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Grab your free copy now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/laws.
The shift starts here.

This episode of The Footwear Retailer is proudly sponsored by the National Shoe Retailers Association.

NSRA supports independent footwear retailers with tools, connections, education, and resources to help you run a stronger business. 

To learn more about the benefits of membership or to sign up, visit:
https://www.nsra.org/page/benefits

Pete Mohr is a longtime footwear retailer, business coach, and owner of two Shoetopia stores in Ontario, Canada, helping business owners build stronger companies that support a better life. 

To learn more about Pete's programs and coaching or to book a free initial chat about your business goals, visit:
https://pete-mohr.com/