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: info@kunitzshoes.ca
📸 Follow them on Instagram & Facebook: @kunitz_shoes /
The Footwear Alliance—a mastermind group for independent footwear retailers who want to accelerate growth, build long-term value, and lead with more clarity and confidence.
Enrollment is now open, a small group for just 6 to 10 retailers—to allow for deeper collaboration, real support, and tailored guidance.
Book a free call now at speaktopete.com
The Love It or Leave It tool helps you get clear on everything you’re doing… and figure out what you love, what you’re great at, and what it’s time to delegate or drop.
Watch the video and download the worksheet now at simplifyingentrepreneurship.com/loveit.
Clarity starts with knowing what’s yours to own—and what’s time to let go.
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 -
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