In 1987 Bob Pappas, the 3rd generation, took over running Union Shoe Store from his father Constantine Pappas. In those early years when Bob's family was young, his wife Angela played a minor role in the business. As their children grew older, Angela's career took her from the grocery industry for 26 years, working for IGA and then Sobeys, and eventually joined the Shoe Store in 2008.
In 2007 Bill Karavas, Bob's business partner and cousin passed away from illness. Bill had been with the store for over 40 years. Bill ran the shoe repair department, western boot and work boot sales. While Bob looked after all areas of the shoe business in addition to overseeing another family business, not related to the shoe store. This is what brought Angela into the business taking over all the shoe store operations, while Bob focused on the shoe repairs and the boot sales. In early 2015 the decision was made to give up the shoe repair department. Bob and Angela were very blessed to meet up with Garth Epp from Winnipeg, who made the move to Brandon to take over the space the shoe repair occupied, with his own shop. His services not only includes shoe repair, but almost any kind of leather work, specializing in custom made belts. His business is still thriving to this day. Union Shoe Store continues to follow the core values carried forward from the first generation of the family by focusing on customer service, large offerings of better quality products, which come from all parts of the world. Angela's goal is to help small business grow, just like their store did over the ages. Being consistent in all interactions with our most valuable customers is very important to them. This includes helping customers put shoes on properly, sizing their feet professionally, and always having their best interest at heart. |