The Sloan family have been mainstays on the Enniskillen high street for more than a century now, with Sloans Shoes one of the iconic names in the Co Fermanagh town.
John J Sloan first opened the business 110 years ago and a member of the family has had the reins ever since, including current owner Malcolm, John’s grandson.
Malcolm has spent 40 years on the shop floor of the iconic town centre business, and told MyFermanagh that business acumen has always been in the family genes.
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“My grandfather John J Sloan started it in 1912, and then my father and my uncle continued with the business,” Malcolm said.
“Uncle Norman retired and dad sadly died so I’ve been running the business for the last 30 years or so.
“My grandfather was a great man, as were my father and uncle who were great businessmen and very kind men.”
So what has been the secret to keeping one of the longest standing businesses in Co Fermanagh on the road?
Malcolm added: “I’d sum it up as quality shoes and a very good personal service, that’s something which has prevailed all the way through.
“That’s with online coming through as well, there’s still a place for a good shop with quality merchandise.
“We’re lucky that we’ve a very good staff and good products.”
“I’ve been on the shop floor for more than 40 years, I learned how to make shoes actually as well as sell them.
“That’s always been a fantastic bonus as well in knowing your product and I can teach my staff all about shoes.”
The shop and the high street have seen many changes over the years, and Malcolm said how people shop now the biggest change he has seen.
“Back in the day there were no shoes on display, now there are no boxes on display.
“People just came in and asked for what they wanted and you went and got it for them.
“They weren’t out on display, and that is something which has progressed dramatically over the last 40 years.
“The last 10 years have been dramatic when it comes to online, Facebook, Messenger, Instagram.
“But I’m a competitor and I always have been. I had a good rugby career back in the day so I’d be very competitive.”
A proud Co Fermanagh man, Malcolm says him and his family have been thankful for all the good custom shown to them by those from Enniskillen and further afield over the years.
“We’re very lucky to live in Fermanagh, I’ve never taken that for granted.
“We’re very lucky to have loads of visitors and they keep coming back to us.
“The thousands of people that I have met coming through the doors over the years, it has just been a pleasure.”
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