Kaytown Shoes opens second location at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre

A Townsville family-owned business is standing the test of time, expanding its reach after establishing in 1965.

A Townsville family-owned business is standing the test of time, expanding its reach after establishing in 1965.

Kaytown Shoes launched its new shop at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre last month after opening its doors on Flinders Street 56 years ago.

The sister store, Kaytown Shoe Barn, has been operating since 1983 in Hyde Park.

Part-owner Terry Stevens took the helm of the business in 2008 after her uncle and original owner Reg Kennedy passed away.

Kaytown Shoes has opened a 2nd location at Fairfield Central. Co Owner/ Operator Terry Stevens

She said it was “exciting” to be expanding the business after working for Kaytown Shoes since 1978.

“It is amazing that we are still here, there have been some hard times, but we are up and running,” she said.

Kaytown Shoes has opened a 2nd location at Fairfield Central. Co Owner/ Operator Terry Stevens

“With the backing of suppliers, we felt confid­ence to open a new store and the centre did not have a shoe shop so we thought there was a great opportun­ity here.”

Kaytown Shoes is a mash-up name with “kay” taken from the first initial of Kennedy and “town” a tribute to Townsville.

Ms Stevens co-owns the business with her brother, Craig Lynam, and said they were staying true to their uncle’s “fetish for shoes”.

“We have our moments, but we play off each other and we have fun together and growing the business together is really rewarding,” she said.

Originally published as Kaytown Shoes opens second location at Fairfield Central Shopping Centre