After 53 years of serving the downtown Victoria community with trendy footwear, Baggins Shoes has announced the bittersweet decision to close its beloved retail store on Johnson Street.
The store said the closure, effective October 2024, comes as a result of the increasingly challenging landscape faced by retail businesses, coupled with a significant decline in downtown foot traffic by an estimated 30-50 percent in recent years.
Established in 1969, Baggins Shoes has been a cornerstone of the Victoria retail scene, offering one of the largest selections of Converse in the world, as well as other well-established brands like Vans, Herschel, and Dr. Martens.
Despite its storied history and loyal following, Baggins announced a strategic shift due to the escalating costs of maintaining a physical storefront, notably the soaring rent prices.
While the decision to close the retail store was undoubtedly difficult, Baggins Shoes said they remain committed to serving its customers through alternative channels.
They will continue to operate the online shop and the custom print shop locally, providing continued employment opportunities and shoe and garment printing services.
The print shop, operating since 2014, plans to expand its offerings from custom printed shoes for both individuals and corporate customers to a wider selection of garments and accessories.
Glen Lynch, founder and owner of Baggins Shoes, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the
community, extending “a big thanks to our loyal Victorians and all the wonderful staff
who’ve made this business great and kept me out of trouble over the years.”
“We’ve been around for 53 years and plan to be around for 53 more, at least. We’re not
closing, we’re just adapting to the times,” said Lynch.
The store was first established in 1969, and has carried one of the largest selections of Converse in the world, as well as other brands like Vans and Dr. Martens.
“We are sad to see this Victoria staple location close but we’re excited for the next steps and look forward to the new challenges and growth in alternative sectors,” said Co-Owner Tara Savrtka.
