Credit: Helen O'Mahony/Chronicle.lu
On Wednesday 13 November 2024, Luxembourg's oldest shoe shop, Chaussures Léon, marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration at its shop in Belle Étoile shopping centre in Bertrange.
Dignitaries, invited guests and passers-by were all welcomed by the Chaussures Léon team, led by owner Corinne Cahen, who took over the running of the business from her father in 2000.
Drinks flowed freely as the large crowd was entertained by a selection of music played on xylophones.
Corinne Cahen welcomed the many dignitaries, including Deputy Prime Minister Xavier Bettel, who gave the closing speech. Ms Cahen spoke of the history of the business, established in 1924 in Luxembourg-Gare by Léon Cahen, and taken over in 1973 by her father André, a former apprentice of Léon's. In her moving speech, Ms Cahen paid tribute to her father who died in 2020. She spoke of how dedicated he was to his business, clients and staff and of his passion for shoes. She recalled how her mother always said that they had three children: two daughters and a shop.
Ms Cahen emphasised the important role all the staff played over the years. She thanked all staff by name and mentioned those who had over 50 years of service with the company.
Chaussures Léon now has three shoe shops in Luxembourg: the original in Luxembourg-Gare, the Belle Étoile shop and the recently opened establishment in Marnach. The aim of the business, to find the perfect shoe for each client, is the same today as it was in 1924. The company boasts a huge range of shoes for women, men and children, with a large selection of brands. They also specialise in providing wide fitting and orthopaedic shoes for those who have difficulty finding suitable shoes.
