Al Murray Shoes To Close After 101 Years

Business owners’ experience is a case of capitalism but a story of humanism.

In March of 2023, J.C. Ryu, owner of Al Murray Shoes, celebrated the centennial of the shoe store’s important existence in San Pedro. Recently, the spry octogenarian reached out to inform Random Lengths News that the store off Western Avenue, which originally thrived in Downtown San Pedro on 6th Street for six decades, will close permanently this autumn. 

The store’s lease will expire at the end of September. The landlord normally contacts J.C. about six months ahead of time to continue the lease. But not this time. J.C. thought it was a signal that maybe it’s time to say goodbye, or the landlord had other plans. He recalled having hope that after the pandemic, business would improve. But with no big turn around, J.C. began to think maybe this is a trend given the unfriendly environment for small businesses. He cited how many are closing.

Recent years were challenging. J.C.’s work became more of a “community service” in the last four years, he said; he didn’t lose money, but there wasn’t much profit. Yet, he loves his work and his clients, who “give him strength.” The last time J.C. spoke to Random Lengths he explained he’s like a shoe agent, not just a salesman.

“This kind of business requires nurturing to stay afloat,” said J.C.  “I think if all those customers just came once more per year, it could be a better situation. But I don’t blame anyone. Even if I’m gone, hopefully, people think about this subject: if you want to make it a rich … resourceful town, rather than a town full of empty businesses, it’s not a new idea, you have to pay attention to the local small businesses so they … carry on, and customers could have a choice. I’m afraid someday they will have no choice.” 

San Pedro’s shoe agent has connected to this community. He’s provided a unique, specialized service. That’s what small businesses do. But he fears a dubious future.

“My value is a little bit outdated, but I know there’s a plenty of people who need service like mine, even though I’m leaving. I think there’s a frustration because they know it’s not going to happen again. I might be like a dinosaur, a dying breed. One time [small businesses were] a major backbone of the retail business, not only the shoe business, but overall.” he said.  

Retail Boss, a publication for retail professionals, in June noted numerous major retail chains, (including 11 Walmarts) closed in 2024 due to: convenience/rise of online shopping; competition and market share loss; missteps and failure to pivot; COVID-19; remote work and urban exodus; high rent. Given this, it’s curious if consumers actually desire customer service. J.C. suspects younger generations don’t know what they’re missing. They’re not used to service, relationships and friendships with merchants — or “what full service means and what they can get from that.”  

For example, J.C. informed his clients about his retirement too. He reached across his desk, for two red journals and a blue binder, full of handwritten clients’ names, “close to 1,000,” as he explained he tried to call as many of them as possible. His clients were surprised, many were sad. Some even said, “You can’t do that to me.”

One client unexpectedly asked him what she could do for him; what was the problem? He said the rent is out of reach and he feels like he’s working for his landlord now. The woman returned to tell J.C., if he wanted to keep going with the business, she would support his rent so he could carry on. But this was after J.C. had already discussed with his family and announced his retirement. He said he was shocked. 

More clients visited him, thanking him personally for taking care of their family for generations. San Pedro’s “shoe agent” has a lot of love in this community; that this could happen to him, J.C. said, was like a fairy tale.  

“It made me feel like my business did not fail, even though I am closing,” J.C. said. “I knew we had a relationship but I didn’t know there was that much love, care and concern for each other. I think we shared each other through the years. It’s just an unusual relationship.”

J.C. and his clients or, “friends actually,” shared lifetime stories. It’s the nature of this business, he said. His plan was after retirement to still come in a few times a week to see and take care of his long-term clients who need his “care and attention.” J.C. doesn’t leave his day at work after closing time. He thinks of what he did for his customers, what he could do better. It’s almost a 24/7 job. After 42 years his children told him now was the time to retire. He isn’t sure if he’s ready but his first plan is to rest.

Customers have asked him if they can still call him and chat, ask his advice about shoes and more. He’s fine with that and it sounds like he looks forward to that connection.

He described this situation as probably a case of capitalism but it could be a story of humanism. 

“We share each other,” J.C. said. “I don’t mind carry[ing] on the rest of my life [with these] memories,” he said. “It’s a funny thing. I’m not a psychologist [but] when they sit in my chair, they start to talk. I’m never bored.”

J.C. communicates with podiatrists often about what they need for their patients and what they suggest for patients’ foot care. Al Murray Shoes has specialized in 

“functional, yet fashionable shoes,” as J.C. says. Throughout his career, J.C. has dealt with podiatrists, trainers, therapists and medical doctors because of the many challenges people have daily.

He wants to tell people, shoes are a very important part of your body. 

“It’s not like clothing,” said J.C. “Clothing can look ugly but at least it doesn’t hurt you. A wrong fitting could damage not only a foot [but] ankles, knees, pelvis and lower back … Sometimes the neck too … Do not hesitate to spend some more money for quality shoes rather than cheap shoes. Try to find someone who has experience and knowledge and cares about your foot. And change your shoes at the right time. Don’t wait until shoes wear out.” 

The shoe agent said they’re a supporting device for your whole body — “not only a fashion item; it’s a function item.” 

“We are living things,” he said. “People think … ‘I’ve been the same size for 20 years.’ That is very wrong judgment because your body does not stay the same [as] 20 years ago. It’s ideal to check every time you get a new pair of shoes, but unfortunately … places don’t have that kind of service.”

J.C. said if you have a heart or kidney issue your foot swells up and down. If you have diabetes you have a circulation issue. Your shoes should fit to accommodate. If you have arthritis, you cannot stand any kind of pressure, so your fitting has to be different. Also the manufacturer, model or your last size or width could vary. And inserts or orthotics can be changeable too, it depends on your need. He explained, for a customer to have the right thing, all of this must be combined together. 

“It starts with science but ends with art,” J.C. said

Everything Must Go

Until the last moment, J.C. wishes to serve, he said. Everything will be on sale 20%-50% off.  If folks need furniture, fixtures or store equipment, that will be for sale until he closes the doors. He has to let go of everything in the store.

“I want to see all my previous customers before I close the door, to hug them, say thank you and goodbye to everybody so we could have a proper goodbye,” J.C. said. “Do you remember Douglas MacArthur the General and WWII hero? He said old soldiers never die, just fade away. So, Al Murray’s memory never dies and my loyal customers never die in my mind. Hopefully, I’ll leave good memories. I love everybody who came through my door. I remember all those feet and toes. Sometimes I remember their feet better than their faces.”

J.C. contacted his landlord who knows he’s leaving; now, they said they want him to stay. He said it’s too late. J.C. was glad to solve these puzzles because he knows that’s the job he can do that not everybody can — it’s a point of pride that he can do what somebody else doesn’t want to. 

“I don’t mind do[ing this],” he said. “I’m glad to actually. I feel like I’m useful. I have a meaning I’m useful … here, [its] probably why [I’m] here still. ”

Details: Al Murray Shoes, 938 N Western Ave. San Pedro. Telephone: 310-832-8321