Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel has been helping Vermonters find quality outdoor gear since 1990 when Lenny McCarthy opened the first store in Barre. Now, Lenny’s has four locations, plus an outlet store, and is co-owned by Lenny’s two sons, Mark and Todd McCarthy. Their St. Albans store opened in 1994, and has been servicing the community ever since.
In late March and early April, a whole new team, including a new manager, assistant manager and part-time associates were hired at the St. Albans store.
“I feel like we’re really starting to gel together,” said manager Jo Greenslet. “I’ve overheard customers telling my associates, or they told me, ‘oh my goodness everyone is new here. The vibe in here is just amazing.’ It’s so encouraging to see that sort of flow of energy again and that’s what we’re trying to impart. It's a happy place to come into. Everybody has a want and a need to help you try to find what you want or need as best as we can.”
Both Greenslet and assistant manager Samantha Coolum have worked together at another store for three years, and were drawn to Lenny’s due to its history in the town as a small, locally owned specialty store.
“I grew up shopping at Lenny’s,” Coolum said. “My family is from the area, so it was always the place we stopped by. The community is great. I love working with a small team, a close team that feels like family. This is a place that has great customer service, and really caters to their customers, and makes sure everyone leaves with a smile and wants to come back to see us. I love getting to know the customers by name so you know who they are and they know who you are.”
Jo Greenslet's favorite Lenny's brands are Toad and Co., Dansko and Keen. Samantha Coolum's favorite Lenny's brand, at the moment is Teva.