Our Story
Originally founded in 1940 by Benjamin Brownstein as a single store on St. Catherine street in Montreal, Browns has had a family-first focus since day one.
After a fire gutted the original location in 1954, Morton Brownstein, who had taken over the business from his father Benjamin, decided he was going to take his father’s legacy from a mom-and-pop shop to a household name:
“I want every customer to say, ‘I need to go to Browns’, not ‘I need to buy a pair of shoes,’”
Morton Brownstein was a rare personality. He had learned to prioritize personal relationships from his father and had extraordinary skill when it came to making individuals feel valued and appreciated. This is how Browns became the first North American retailer to carry luxury Italian-made brands— In 1959, though European craftsmen of the time were hesitant to sell to far-away places, Morton’s personal charm during his quest to secure a European shoe supply led not only to the success of his initiative, but invitations to numerous family meals. Legendary shoemakers like Salvatore Ferragamo filled out Browns’ orders for shoes and bags personally, as a favour to Morton.
80 years after its founding, Browns continues to operate as a family business, run by a third and fourth generation of Brownsteins. The company continues to grow with the strength, passion and unique vision of each successive generation.
Michael Brownstein, the current president of Browns, has successfully and organically expanded the chain to 70 locations across Canada and has opened a sister chain, B2, that focuses on edgy street fashion slated toward trend-conscious consumers. Michael was the first person outside of Italy to win the prestigious MICAM award, given to recognize fashion interpretation, knowledge of craftsmanship and success in the promotion of the Italian shoe industry.
As North America’s leading independent footwear chain, Browns continues to elevate the standard with a best-in-class shopping experience, world-class customer service, innovative store design, current trends and exceptional quality.
Continuing his grandfather’s tradition of cultivating and prioritizing personal relationships, Michael maintains close relationships with today’s leading shoe designers, which is why Browns often stocks exclusive styles from well-known brands, in addition to a number of exclusive collections that also boast original design.
