Started by the Colburn family in 1832, the business was purchased in 1922 by a member of what is now the Horne family. As previous owner Brian Horne likes to point out, the store has now been in the Horne family longer than the Colburn family – 97 years compared to the original family’s 90-year run.
Also remarkable is that the store has always been in the heart of Belfast, and has been in its current location at 79 Main Street since 1905, which amounts to 114 years of occupying the same building. Today, Colburn Shoe Store is owned by 36 year-old Colby Horne, who bought it from his father Brian three years ago.
The two secrets to this sort of amazing longevity are:
1.Keeping up with the product. The owner said shoe lines and styles are always changing, and someone has to continue researching what will work in the current market.
2.Prioritizing great customer service. The Colburn staff spends a great deal of time with their customers, both local and vacationers.
According to mainstreetmaine.org; drtownsend.com. Source of photos: internet
