New Cleveland shoe store opening October 1
By Aimee Robinette
The Bolivar Bullet
Downtown Cleveland is about to be the home of a brand new shoe store – SOLES.
Marie Rocconi Ware said she has always had a dream of owning her own store downtown, and she and her husband, Brian, have taken the necessary steps to make it become a reality.
“Brian and I have talked about opening a family shoe store for years now,” said Marie. “Allan’s (Family Shoe Store) closed, and we even considered buying it from him at one point. A retail business has always been what I knew I wanted to do deep down, but life took me another direction where I did dental hygiene for the last 12 years.”
“Over the last year, I have felt this pull to move on from that field and do something different. As I searched my soul and prayed over if I should start a new endeavor; the need of what our town needed became clear. Little by little things started happening and wheels started turning and a series of events landed me to where I am now getting ready to bring this new business to every person here! Shoes serve a purpose, should be comfortable, and can make any outfit look it’s best,” said Marie.
Ware said that while she is excited about opening Soles, she is a little nervous.
“Cleveland has needed a family shoe store for so long! Like everything, COVID is causing production and shipping delays, so I am aiming to be open by October 1. We will have men’s, women’s and kids and you will be able to find everything from a flip flop/sandal, to a dress shoe, to a pair of tennis shoes. We are going for variety to try and hit every niche! We will also carry socks, men’s and women’s belts, hats handmade here in America, and other accessories.”
How can she miss with such a fun store name?
“I wanted to keep it simple and to the point, so I tossed ideas around for about a week when one morning it hit me, ‘SOLES. Simple and stated.”
As for Ware, she wants to continue to help Cleveland grow and be successful.
“I love this town and love to stay busy,” she said.
That could be an understatement as she is not only taking on this new adventure but will also continue to sell real estate and work with Debbie Davis Real Estate and will remain a fitness instructor at Balance Fitness where you can find her almost daily and sometimes twice daily.
“Getting ready to open my doors has been fun and stressful! I am hoping we are received well by the community and can deliver on what is needed. As long as inventory rolls in over the next week, I will open my doors on October 1,” she said. “We have a variety of brands coming. Some are new that we are bringing for the first time ever to the Delta! As we build and grow and as the production and shipping issues fade we will add more lines and even more variety. I cannot wait to welcome all of Cleveland inside!”
Soles is located at 327 Cotton Row and will be open Monday through Saturday – and Sunday by appointment. For more information, call 662-545-4936.