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Photographed by Jennifer Collins
In Step With
Joe Nofal of
Phil Nofal’s Fine Footwear
My father, Philip G. Nofal, got started in the shoe business as a young man after the
Great Depression. As with most people back then, times were hard! He was a smart,
hard working man who loved people and life. Undoubtedly, the smartest thing he ever
did was marry my mother, Pauline, in 1952. Along with their business partners, they
opened Philip’s Shoe Store and Youth Fashions (a children’s dress shop). By 1961, Phil
Nofal’s Fine Footwear began. It was a family business in true form with my mother and
aunt working alongside wonderful store clerks to help establish a solid reputation of
quality products, great selection and knowledgeable customer service. Phil Nofal’s Fine
Footwear in Downtown Florence was the place to go for the entire family’s footwear
needs. Men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, as well as tap and ballet shoes, were all
there to be properly fitted and bought under one roof.
I remember running and jumping over the fitting stools as a child. As a young teenager,
I began to help out to earn money by dusting, sweeping… Whatever I was told! Like most
teenagers, I would ask for things, and Dad would always respond, “Can you afford it?
You can’t always get what you want.” That has stuck with me to this day. After attending
college, I began working full time in the family business. Dad passed away in 1985, so I
took over. My family and I worked six days a week, and I still do! As times changed, we
adapted to meet new challenges.
Downtown Florence had declined as a retail shopping hub, so we moved the business
to its present location - 1806 West Palmetto Street - in 1994. As part of the move, we
dropped the men’s, children’s and dance wear to concentrate only on women’s shoes,
but it was still a family business consisting of my mom, sister (Ann) and dog (Pepper).
Women can never have too many shoes, right? As a retailer, you constantly strive to have
a good mix of product and services that meet your customers’ needs. At Phil Nofal’s Fine
Footwear, we provide a good mix of ladies’ dress, casual and comfort shoes that today’s
lifestyles demand. We carry some of those hard-to-find sizes, along with every day and
special occasion footwear. Why shop local, you ask? The difference is clear. Whether it’s
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September 2014
shoes, pharmaceuticals or pet supplies, local business owners care! The more money
you spend, the more it is circulated back into the community, over and over. We get to
know each other and friendships grow. It’s a win-win for all of us!
Success is measured in time by hard work, diligence and gratitude. Having a solid
reputation and advertising our family business in She Magazine has allowed us to grow,
adapt and prosper. We can’t count the number of ladies that come in the store and say
they saw us in She. She Magazine has allowed us to attract new and loyal customers, and
it helps keep our business on their minds. With September comes a change in season for
footwear and clothing. She Magazine helps us show what’s new and fashionable in the
season ahead. Thanks in part to She, we will continue to provide the kinds of footwear
that today’s women desire.
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