May 19, 2025
STATEN ISLAND, NY - For nearly eight decades, Styl-O-Pedic Shoes in Staten Island has been a trusted name for schoolchildren's footwear and specialized orthotic solutions. However, owner Ron Cole has announced his upcoming retirement at the end of June, marking the closure of this beloved family-owned business.
"It's bittersweet," shared Cole, standing in the New Dorp store that has served the Staten Island community for 78 years. The news has been met with emotional responses from long-time customers. "We've been calling our customers one-by-one to tell them the news – people who have been ordering shoes with us for years – and some of them begin to cry. This wasn't an easy decision, but it's time."
A Family Legacy Rooted in Staten Island
Styl-O-Pedic Shoes was established in 1947 by Cole's uncle, initially in Port Richmond before relocating to Stapleton. In 1954, Ron's father, Fred, a Korean War veteran, joined the business, leading the family to make Staten Island their permanent home after a cross-country move from Massachusetts was unexpectedly halted.
The store found its long-term location at 2435 Hylan Blvd. in 1963 and quickly became the go-to destination for uniform school shoes and specialty footwear in the borough. Ron Cole's involvement began in his youth, forging cherished memories working alongside his father throughout his formative years.
"When we were young, my father asked my brother and I if we wanted to work at the store for a day," Cole reminisced. "My brother didn't like it, but I kept coming back. I liked being here with my father and the customers, I knew that this was what I was meant to do."
Decades of Dedicated Service and Personalized Care
For the past 50 years, Ron Cole has dedicated himself six days a week to the store, a commitment noted by his wife, Francesca, who also helps run the business. "He's missed so many parties, dance recitals and sporting events," she said. "We're going to miss our customers, but we're ready to travel and babysit our grandchildren."
What set Styl-O-Pedic apart was its unwavering commitment to personalized service and offering footwear not readily available elsewhere, especially online. Cole proudly displayed stacks of handwritten customer cards, each meticulously detailing individual order histories and specific needs.
"We sell shoes that other shoe stores do not have – products that are impossible to find online," Cole emphasized. "And if we can't find a perfect fit for a customer, we customize the shoe to make it work. I truly hope there is a buyer out there who is willing to continue that mission."
