LYNDHURST, Ohio — You don’t have to travel all the way to Europe to experience old-world quality in footwear. Just visit Mar-Lou Shoes in Lyndhurst.
The Journey Begins with Daniel Ungar
Daniel Ungar, the second-generation owner of Mar-Lou, has been **importing exceptional shoes** from Europe and beyond for the past eight years. As the competition within the footwear industry intensifies, Daniel emphasizes that increasing focus on European imports is **no longer optional**—it’s a necessity.
Fierce Competition
“The direct-to-consumer market has become fiercer in the last five years,” Daniel notes. “Independent retailers like us are facing challenges from the very channels we depend on.” He believes that **differentiation is key** in a saturated market.
A Passion for Unique Finds
Dan Ungar is the second-generation owner of Mar-Lou Shoes.Gregory Burnett, special to cleveland.com
Daniel and his wife embark on journeys to Europe a couple of times each year, scouting for **hard-to-find products** that elevate their offerings in Northeast Ohio.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite the **high costs of travel**, Daniel believes that it’s vital for an independent shoe retailer aiming for longevity. “Some smaller stores lack foresight, forgetting that the world feels smaller than it actually is,” he reflects.
The Power of Brand Recognition
Many consumers inherently judge shoes by their manufacturers—brands like Clarks and New Balance reign supreme. Thus, introducing foreign brands requires **patience and strategic marketing** to ultimately gain customer trust.
Employees of Mar-Lou Shoes in Lyndhurst prepare donated shoes for delivery to Ukraine.Photo Courtesy of Dan Ungar
Discovering Hidden Gems in European Footwear
“There are two brands my wife and I fell in love with: Hartj from Austria and Sabatini made in Italy,” says Ungar. “Both are small manufacturers we discovered during our first trip to a shoe fair in Milan, Italy.”
Mar-Lou is one of only three retailers in America to carry these unique brands, leading to a growing customer interest as they become familiar with the shoes.
Mar-Lou Shoes employee Iryna Rabocha unpacking boxes of shoes imported from Europe.Photo Courtesy of Dan Ungar
The Craft of Quality
Many customers believe Italian shoes exemplify **top-tier craftsmanship**. After visiting the Sabatini factory, Ungar witnessed the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each pair: “Every shoe is handcrafted, stitched carefully, ensuring unparalleled quality.”
Moreover, the feedback he received further solidified his vision: shoes must not only look good but feel good—made from genuine cork and other high-quality materials.
A Rich Family Legacy
The story of Mar-Lou Shoes is one of **passion and family heritage**. Founded in 1958 by Henry “Bud” Ungar after a thwarted search for size 10½ narrow shoes for his wife, the store has evolved significantly while holding onto its core values.
Bud opened his first store in the Old Arcade of downtown Cleveland to meet a distinct need, and **revolutionized footwear** for women in the area.
Today, Mar-Lou Shoe’s commitment to unique footwear remains strong, with its focus shifting to **European imports** as a means of differentiation in a crowded marketplace.
Looking Forward
“There’s a world of shoes waiting to be explored,” declares Ungar. “We must remain attuned to consumer demands while remembering that true quality often lies across the Atlantic.”
In an age where brands like Nike and New Balance dominate, it’s easy to forget the wealth of options available globally. It seems essential now more than ever to **discover unique, high-quality products** that resonate with customers.
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