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SHAVERTOWN — Humphreys Bootery and Bags has been selling casual footwear in its community for years — it will celebrate its 60th birthday in 2018.

The store, at 1900 Memorial Highway, Shavertown, in the Back Mountain Shopping Center, opened in this location in 1958, and currently sells men’s and women’s casual footwear, children’s UGG boots, handbags, jewelry and accessories.

“We’re the old-fashioned, hometown comfort shoe store,” said owner Jay Humphreys, who grew up in Kingston. “We’re in a small community, and we’ve had customers — we’ve had families of customers — it’s right around 4th generation with some families.”

The store’s longevity speaks to the quality of service it provides, Humphreys said.

“We’re here for (the customers) every day, and I guess we’ve done a pretty good job if we’ve been here as long as we are,” he said.

He added that the products chosen mean consistent quality.

“It’s great to sell the things that we do sell, because we don’t have a lot of problems with manufacturer defects and things like that. The few that we do (have) are easy to take care of,” Humphreys explained.

Humphreys said that while the world of shopping seems to be moving online, the store isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“In today’s world we compete against the convenience of the internet, and it’s not about price as much as it’s about convenience. So it’s difficult. The world has changed in that respect. But we have a solid customer base,” he said.

He said that Humphreys Bootery and Bags, and the brick-and-mortar experience, gives shoppers things they can’t get online.

“The touch, the feel, the service … we’re here to help you, we’re here to explain the product, and we stand by the product.”

Humphrey’s Bootery in Shavertown.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_TTL111917Humphreys2.jpg.optimal.jpgHumphrey’s Bootery in Shavertown.

Owner Jay Humphreys says customer service gives his business an edge against online retailers.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/web1_TTL111917Humphreys1.jpg.optimal.jpgOwner Jay Humphreys says customer service gives his business an edge against online retailers. Aimee Dilger | Times Leader

By Toni Ann Pennello

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