Overview:
For as long as anyone can remember, Williams the Shoemen has been delivering the latest looks at the right price to Australians.
We offer a well co-ordinated range of footwear and accessories for men, women and children - much of which has been exclusively developed 'in house' providing our customers with exceptional quality and value.
In 2004 we celebrated our 140th Birthday and opened our 170th store! Our continued success can be attributed to an ongoing commitment to understanding the needs of everyday Australians and a unique approach that is spirited, fun and unpretentious.
We caters for style conscious yet value driven Australian consumers who enjoy a relaxed and down to earth shopping experience.
Now:
Today we have over 180 stores open throughout Australia and are continuing to grow!
As a family footwear chain we provide popular styles at affordable prices. The following brands can be found at Williams:
History:
1860’s Williams the Shoemen, Australia's largest and oldest shoe retailing chain, had its humble beginnings in the thriving goldfields of Ballarat
1900 Seven shoe stores were being operated by the Williams family. At the start of the 2nd World, 45 stores were operating in Victoria.
1950 Saw rapid change in managing style and growth of the company.
1955 The company was listed on the Stock Exchange, with Ned and Wilf Williams as Joint Managing Directors.
1968 The sale of Williams was negotiated to Kinney Shoes (later renamed Venator Group Inc), a subsidiary of Woolworths Corporation. Under this new ownership, Williams moved interstate and became a national concern.
1989 After acquiring Mathers Shoes, Williams moved its head offices to Brisbane, followed shortly by its warehousing operations.
1995 Barry Williams retires and the first non Williams family member, Jim Harrington, was appointed to run the company.
1999 Venator Group renamed Colorado group ltd, following the successful sale of the Company back into Australian hands through a highly successful public share offer. Williams the Shoemen is one of the major divisions of Colorado group ltd and is still growing strongly.
May 2006 The Brisbane Head Office moves ‘next door’ into new headquarters to make room for the growing company.
September 2006 Affinity Equity Partners announced as the major shareholder of the Colorado group ltd.