End of an era: After 60 years, Duy’s Shoes to close Sandwich location

SANDWICH – Sixth-generation Somonauk resident Jan Whiteaker went shopping for sales last week for the last time at Duy’s Shoes and Sportswear, 101 S. Main St. in Sandwich.

The store opened in downtown Sandwich in 1954. On Wednesday, it will close the doors of the Sandwich storefront permanently and consolidate its business at its second location, 135 E. Veterans Parkway in Yorkville.

“It’s sad to see the store leave since I always hate to see Sandwich lose a business from the downtown area,” said Whiteaker, a longtime customer. “But I think that it’s a good move for the store since there are more people in Yorkville and the chance to do more business there.”

Owner Tod Duy said he decided to consolidate the stores because of the changing face of Sandwich’s downtown, where he said retail shops have been replaced by bars, restaurants and antique shops. Population growth in Yorkville and Oswego has led to people traveling there to shop instead of staying in Sandwich.

“After the economy dipped, people were less attracted to shop in downtown Sandwich,” Duy said. “Sales dipped, and it has been hard to keep two stores open 10 miles apart. …It’s really emotional, but after 60 years, things change. Towns change. I hope one day the economy will change and bring back little shops to draw people downtown.”

Duy’s has moved seven times in the past 60 years. It has been in its present location since 2007. The Yorkville location opened in 2002, and Duy said it quickly became the busiest store.

JC Health & Fitness, located behind Duy’s, plans to expand into the store’s space. With more space, the private gym will be able to offer open gym memberships, athletic and personal training, and nutritional counseling.

“Although I am sad to see a good small business go, I’m honored to take over the space as another locally owned small business, and I’m excited for the opportunity,” said Josh Chrestman, owner of JC Health & Fitness and a family friend of the Duys.

Duy said he has no plans to retire.

“This is what I love doing,” he said. “It’s so neat to be able to help somebody, to teach them about foot health and how to purchase shoes with a supportive arch. …We hope people will come and follow us to the Yorkville store. And we want to thank our staff and all of our loyal customers, who have shopped with us for decades and supported the store.”