Lakewood Is Saying Goodbye To One Of Its Oldest Merchants, Cerny Shoes

CERNY SHOES has been a fixture in downtown Lakewood for years. In fact, Don and Marlene Cerny are third generation owners of the Men’s and Women’s shoe store.

Since 1903, the Cerny family has serviced the footwear needs of customers on both the East and West side of Cleveland. Cerny Shoes is the last remaining store of Zak Brothers Shoes, an eleven store chain which was in business during the early 1900’s. William P. Cerny was the president of Zak Brothers Shoes at the time. When the Great Depression hit, one store of the eleven remained, which is Cerny Shoes today.

Don’s parents, Robert and LaVerne, bought the store from Bill Cerny when Don was a child. They supported a family of six children for many years and retired in the mid 80’s. Don and Marlene have owned the store since then.

The Cerny’s attribute the store’s longevity to being able to react to the changing retail environment, both online with their own website, and with third party sales on Amazon. They have taken pride in continuing the legacy of satisfying customers’ shoe needs and have stayed committed to providing footwear in multiple sizes and widths.

Don and Marlene will be retiring at the end of 2018 and wish to say a very heartfelt “Thank You” to their loyal customers, who have become their friends, for so many wonderful years. They will miss everyone and look forward to spending more time with their grandchildren and loved ones in the future.