Hall's Shoes to close

Hall's Shoes in Aledo, a family owned shoe store, is going out of business after serving Mercer County, Warren County and the surrounding area for over 120 years. Owners Jerry and Janice Hall have announced their retirement after Jerry has been in the family business for over 50 years.

Hall's Shoes Store has been continually operated by the same family since 1892 and is believed to be the only shoe store in the State of Illinois that has done so for that length of time.

At the age of 12 years old, Will Hall, left London, England and arrived in the United States when he then came directly to Mercer County. In that very year, 1892 he established a shoe business that became one of the most prosperous in the county. In 1926 he was joined in the business by his son and daughter, Hays and Edith Hall. After Will died in 1936, Hays and Edith continued operating the store. .In 1958 Hays' sons Jerry and Bill, became partners with their father. Hays eased into his retirement at that time. In 1986, Jerry and Bill expanded the business by purchasing a shoe store in Monmouth. In 1996, Bill retired and Jerry and Janice assumed ownership of both stores. After 14 years of operation, the Monmouth store was closed and the store in Aledo expanded inventory to served customers from several surrounding counties.

It is with gratitude and appreciation of the past and present associates, our loyal customers and friends who have allowed us to remain in business for the 120 years. This has been a wonderful community to do business and we sincerely hope for its continued success.

This was not an easy decision to make and we have had many mixed emotions over doing so. We wanted to celebrate Hall's Shoes 120th Anniversary, and we are proud to say it was an honor to celebrate this with customers, family and friends over the past few weeks.

As we close the door to Hall's Shoe Store and begin a new chapter in our life, we hope that someone would see the opportunity to provide quality footwear and customer service that Hall's Shoes has provided.