After nine years in Bethesda, veteran shoe guy Tony Zelaya says he cannot compete with the economy and will be closing Zelaya shoe boutique in mid to late February.
Zelaya, with over 30 years of experience in the shoe business, says that he "started selling shoes because I love shoes. I didn't have a lot of money. I depended on my sales for money."
Watching his business nosedive from its peak in 2005 caused him stress and long hours at the store. "I'm here alone every day," he says. "I don't take vacations with my family. They go without me."
Zelaya was one of the first independent, contemporary shoe stores in Bethesda. The shop was originally located inside Daisy Too, Tony's wife Fabiana's store, which closed late last year.
He then took over the entire space filling it with one of the best selections of designer shoes for women and introducing new lines for men and children, as well as handbags, jewelry and accessories.
The store was a Bethesda Magazine “Best of Bethesda” winner in 2010 and will be again in the upcoming January/February “Best of Bethesda” issue.
"I've got to be proud of what I did and move on," he says.
There's still time to shop. Zelaya will be here for a few more months as he slowly liquidates inventory, offering sale prices in the front of the store and deep discounts in the store's clearance section in the back.
4940 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-8550, www.zelayashoes.com
