By Clyde Noel

In a surprise move, Naturalizer Shoes, the downtown shoe store for women, decided to go out of business. The store has been a mainstay on Main Street since 1983; now all furniture, fixtures and inventory must go.

Store owner Jim Dalton, decided the time was right to close. If everything goes as expected, the store should be empty by Thanksgiving.

“Business has been off more than 40 percent. Since I commute from Napa everyday, the timing is just right to close the store.” Dalton said.

Originally, Dalton’s Naturalizer Shoes store was in the space now occupied by Le Boulanger. When Le Boulanger opened in 1989, Dalton moved next door to a smaller space.

Employee Colleen Stuckey has been waiting on customers and fitting shoes for more than 20 years.

“It’s a sad day for this business to come to an end, but business isn’t the same,” she said. “I enjoyed working at this downtown Los Altos location.”

Dalton said Naturalizer has a good following among local women. The company has been around for more than 80 years and produces a quality product at a reasonable price.

“I’m going to miss the customers. The town has been very supportive of me and I thank them,” Dalton said. “The commute burns you out quicker when business is slow.”

Naturalizer is located at 315 Main St. For more information, call 941-3290.