Okun Brothers Shoes — Local services in Kalamazoo

I hate leaving negative reviews. I always try to see the best in every business I patronize. And I have done business with Okun Brothers for several years. I have referred friends to this business over the years. I am sad to say that I will never do business with this company again nor will I refer anyone to this business again after my latest experience. I purchased a $160.00 pair of boots, which I wore for one day, only at my office. The boots began to pinch my foot about halfway through the day. I took them off and reboxed them, with the intent to exchange them. When I got back to Okun Brothers, the owner was immediately, visibly irritated that I wanted to make an exchange, and accused me of trying to return multiple pairs of boots, and this would be the "LAST TIME!" I calmly informed him that I had never, in the history of doing business with Okun Brothers, ever had returned a pair of boots. He then began to inspect the boots I had brought back and declared that he couldn't take them back in this condition, as the couldn't be "cleaned up". I was very offended by A) The implication that I was trying to take advantage of him, and B) That I was trying to pass off a heavily-worn pair of boots for a return. At this point, I became angry, and I told the owner that "if you do this, I will never do business with you again." He looked both relieved and unconcerned when he replied, "then so be it.." I am a business owner, and I would not approve of an employee treating a customer in this way, much less the ownership. A friend of mine, who had once purchased all his boots at Okun Brothers, warned me that I shouldn't go there, because things had changed. Boy, was he right. I am so saddened to have to leave this negative review, but I really think everyone needs to know that this company truly does not respect their customers. And if you need to make a return or exchange, it is very likely that the owner will manufacture a reason to not take back your boots or shoes. I ended up giving the boots away that I purchased at Okun Brothers, and even if they did fit, I wouldn't be able to wear them without memory of my highly negative experience. And I found that the new Field and Stream store next to Costco has a very great selection of all types of work boots, and their customer service made me very happy. So I learned a $160.00 lesson. Based on reading this review, I hope others can avoid the same...

2 years ago I left a 5 star review. Today is a 1 star. My dad and I walked into Okun Brothers today to buy a pair of work boots like we do 1-2 times a year between shoes and boots and both of us were disappointed with the customer service and lack of knowledge about the boots my dad had inquired about. This has gone on for the past few times we have been in. The past 3 times we have been in the customer service has not been good and as of today we will not be going back. The best worker was George years ago at Okun Brothers. More recently Chip Hansen was our salesman and had exceptional service from him and George. It’s unfortunate but why pay 215$ for boots when you can go on the Carolina website and get them for roughly 140$-190$ and they do not price match. I’ve supported local shopping my whole life but now with the decline of service I’m buying online from now on. When I told the young man I was buying online he said ok go ahead. Not trying to keep my business at all and didn’t mind me walking out of the store. My opinion is if you’re going to sell shoes/ boots you need to know the product you’re selling. Thanks for...

Went in to get some work boots. The sales guy pointed to a wall and said to go pick what I like. Didn't ask what I did or needed them for (every boot serves a different job). Luckily I knew going in what I wanted but they didn't have them in stock. I had to ask them to order them, they didn't volunteer to. Told me no more than 10 days. 20 days later I finally get a call that they where in ( I called but was told I had to wait for them to call me, refused to check on anything). I go in and all three employees are on cell phones. I ask the lady at the register who can help me get my shoes, she stares blankly at me and goes back to her phone and sandwich, disgusting to eat at the sales counter. Finally one of the people says " I guess I'll be the one to help you". They hand me my boots no thank you or good bye, sits back down and goes back to their phone. I went there because work provides easy payment through them. I will...