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: [e-mail]
📸 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.

PLUS: Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you move from the Operator’s seat to the Owner’s seat in your business:

1. Take the Value Builder Assessment to better understand the areas of your business that add the most value to your business - Click Here

2. Uncover your Kolbe. Whether just for you, or for your full team, better understand leadership strengths and ways you can advance your People - Click Here.

3. Listen my other podcast Business Owner Breakthrough podcast as well for quick tools and tips - Click Here