The Barn Family Shoe Store — Local services in Newton

Came to buy a pair of shoes. Left the store with 3 pairs and happy. The staff were there, approachable and helpful. Next morning I tried on one pair of shoes and realized they were too tight. I called back and asked if I can switch them for another size. The female customer associate switched me to another person who apparently was a manager of this store Daniel. As soon as I said I would like to exchange my shoes for another pair, he started yelling on the phone: “Miss, we do not want your shoes back! It’s a final sale! Do you understand what I am saying? You were told at the cashier station (and I was not actually) it’s a final sale! Do you understand what I am saying?” I asked him if he can check if they have a size up. His response was “you can come and check yourself, I am not going and check it for you”. I was slightly shocked by his reaction. He asked me 4 times if I understand what he is saying. I do not know if it was something about my accent, my gender or both... at that point, despite a snow storm, my friend, who heard him screaming on the phone, and I decided to go there and talk to him. I came, found the size I needed and asked to see him. He came with the same attitude he talked on the phone with. While we were talking about our experience 30 minutes ago, he pointed in my face with his finger a few times, asked me to take the pair of shoes I need and leave. I said I want to talk to his manager. He said “I am the manager.” I asked who is above him, he said “Nobody” and laughed... I said “I am sure you are not the owner of this store. His response was “You can talk to the owner, his name is Joe, and I do not care!” And of course no apology. I left behind all the words that came to me when trying to characterize this human species. But I am sure you can find a different and better place to...

I have been a loyal customer at The Barn for years. It is one of the few places that I can get my children's feet measured and purchase quality shoes. This past spring I purchased some Dansko sandals for myself and was shocked when the buckle started to fall off after only a few months. I called the manufacturer and they directed me back to The Barn. I called and spoke with a Manager. I explained what had happened and that I no longer have the receipt. The Manager I spoke with was impatient and rude with me from the beginning of the conversation. She repeated multiple times that I needed to bring the shoes in and they would make an assessment. I don't live close to the store and a very busy working mom. Before I decide to come there, I wanted to get a sense of how they assess the shoes - what are they looking for - and what is my recourse if they decide not to replace them. She refused to answer my questions or to pass the phone to someone else. The combination of her refusal to help me understand what their policy is and how they make decisions, and, in general, how to deal with the manufacturer if they can't help was shocking and dismaying to me. I have, in general, had very good experience with the clerks there, but have never had to deal with the management. I am, or was, a loyal customer. The Barn should ensure that they have someone helpful and patient in their management positions. Their shoes are expensive and in my eyes, I am willing to pay because of the quality and the service. If the service is going to be so sub-par, I prefer to buy my shoes online where they have a more transparent return policy and people who are better trained in...

Meh, it is just OK. As a child I was always taken to The Barn for shoes. Adult professionals would measure my feet, confir with my parents, then disappear into a back room only to re-emerge with my future new shoes. They would be put on my feet and I would be Sent to walk around the cracked, uneven concrete floors. The only decoration I remember seeing was two posters. One of Buffy and one of Jody, the two children from the show "Family Affair". Time marched on. As I grew I found their "sporting goods" department in the small building in the parking lot. This was where we bought my shin guards and uniform socks for soccer and my Red Sox jackets and my Newton North jackets. After a long hiatus I tried them again. I went in search of winter footwear. Waterproof and warm boots and shoes. The Barn was cleaner then it used to be. Simple carpet covered the uneven concrete floors shoes in bins, on tables and on shelves. No more stacks of shoeboxes directly on the floor. The men's shoe prices were high. Many of the shoes I had looked at in other places were significantly more expensive at The Barn. The personal service of the past has been toned down to the level of staff being around if they were needed. Overall I was unimpressed. There are alot of places to buy men's shoes and with The Barns pricing and lack of charm, I will take my...