Longtime Owner of Kiddie Kobbler to Retire After 40 Years

After serving the Ottawa community for over four decades, Kiddie Kobbler on St. Laurent Boulevard is set to close its doors. Owner Robert Krantzberg recently announced his retirement, effective March 31, 2024, marking the end of an era for a store known for helping families find everything from baby boots to children’s sneakers.

Krantzberg, affectionately known as “The Shoeman,” expressed his mixed feelings about the decision. “I love what I do, people see me happy, I’m here every day,” he told CBC Radio’s All In A Day. “But at this age, I’m starting to feel the aches and pains. The hours are long, and I feel like I’d like to just, you know, maybe take a step back.”

A Legacy of Family Shopping

Since beginning his journey at a Kiddie Kobbler location in Montreal as a teenager, Krantzberg has dedicated his life to creating an inviting atmosphere for children and their families. He bought his first store at just 19 years old, aiming to establish a place where children would love to shop. This vision has resulted in generations of families returning to the St. Laurent location to purchase shoes for their children.

The store’s closure announcement on Christmas Day elicited a wave of nostalgic reactions on social media. Many customers reflected on the exceptional service and personal relationships they developed with Krantzberg and his staff. For instance, Rachel Buliziuk, who now lives in British Columbia, continues to shop at Kiddie Kobbler for her three-year-old daughter. “Whenever I come in here, it’s like he remembers me and my daughter and my entire family,” she shared. Her connection with the store dates back to her own childhood, when her mother purchased shoes there.

Another young customer, Britton Walby, has relied on Kiddie Kobbler for his footwear since infancy. “I got my first pair of shoes from this location when I was only half a year old,” he said, expressing uncertainty about where he will go for shoes if the store closes.

Looking for the Right Successor

While Krantzberg plans to retire, he has not completely ruled out the possibility of selling the store. He emphasized the importance of finding someone who shares his passion for working with children and understands the significance of customer experience: “Someone who has experience with children, someone that really is going to love what they’re going to be doing and is really excited about taking over this business,” he stated. “They should know that it’s not just about making money, but about bringing a great experience to the people that come through my door.”

Krantzberg’s impact on the community extends beyond simply selling shoes. His dedication to customer service and personal connections has left an indelible mark on families in Ottawa and beyond. As the store prepares to close, many are left reminiscing about the joyful experiences they’ve had and the memories created at Kiddie Kobbler.

As the countdown to the store’s final day begins, Krantzberg reflects on a rewarding career, hopeful that the spirit of Kiddie Kobbler will continue under new ownership, should the opportunity arise.