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A Legacy of Style. A Future of Possibility.

Shoes have always been part of our story – and we want to be part of yours, too.

Based in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada, Browns is Canada’s leading independent fashion retailer, known for world-class personalized service, trend-driven collections, innovative store design, and a best-in-class digital experience.

  • About Us
  • Browns Experience
  • Our Brands
  • Culture & Careers
The story begins in 1940
The story begins The story begins

Every great brand has a story. Ours began in 1940, when Benjamin Brownstein opened a small shoe store in Montreal. His son Morton transformed it into a destination for exclusive, handcrafted styles, forging friendships with iconic European designers along the way. Third-generation president Michael Brownstein carried that legacy forward, blending heritage with innovation. Four generations, and more than 70 stores later from coast to coast, Browns remains rooted in craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep love of fashion — always with an eye on what’s next.

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about Browns about Browns

“I want customers to say they need to go to Browns, rather than saying they need to buy a new pair of shoes.” MORTON BROWNSTEIN

“I want customers to say they need to go to Browns, rather than saying they need to buy a new pair of shoes.” MORTON BROWNSTEIN

Swipe Over 86 Years...

Our History

1940
THE VERY FIRST STORE, SAINTE-CATHERINE STREET, MONTREAL
A destination for men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes in every style and price point. Morton Brownstein works alongside his father, Benjamin.
1954
A New Beginning
After a devastating fire, the Sainte-Catherine Street store is rebuilt with a more sophisticated design — a reflection of the Browns you know today. Led by a 26-year-old Morton, the renovation marks a bold new chapter for the company. Morty becomes president of the family business, introducing the latest American footwear trends to Canada. Browns now counts five stores.
1959
Italian Imports Arrive
After a fruitful trip to Italy, Morton returns to Montreal with expertly-crafted shoes, proudly branding them under the Browns name. He becomes the first independent North American retailer to import European footwear to his newly opened boutique in the iconic Rockland Centre in Montreal. Browns quickly becomes home to renowned designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Charles Jourdan, Bruno Magli, Luigino Rossi, and Pancaldi.
Browns
1975
NATIONAL EXPANSION BEGINS
Browns ventures beyond Quebec, opening two new stores in Ontario: at the Toronto Eaton Centre, and Hazelton Lanes, now known as Yorkville Village. The company now has 19 stores across Canada.
1996
THE FIRST B2 STORE OPENS ON QUEEN STREET, TORONTO
This new concept store introduces bold, street-inspired fashion and emerging footwear trends. Just two years later, a second B2 boutique will open its doors in Vancouver.
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1998
MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN BECOMES PRESIDENT
The son of Morton, Michael makes history as the first non-Italian recipient of the prestigious MICAM Award, recognized for his fashion vision, technical expertise, and outstanding contributions to promoting the Italian footwear industry.
Browns
2004
MORTON IS APPOINTED TO THE ORDER OF CANADA
This honour celebrates his entrepreneurial achievements and lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Over the years, Morton raised millions of dollars for Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital, leaving a remarkable legacy in both the footwear world and the community.
2009
THE LAUNCH OF BROWNS’ E-COMMERCE SITE
Thousands of Canadians can now shop their favourite shoes and accessories online, receiving them right at their doorstep in no time.
2011
THE CREATION OF THE BROWNS SHOES FOUNDATION
Dedicated to supporting organizations across the country, the foundation is built upon a long-standing culture of giving. Since 1940, Browns has donated 10% of its annual profits to local and Montreal-based charities — a philosophy first instilled by founder Benjamin Brownstein, and one that continues to guide Browns’ values today.
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2014
A NEW HEAD OFFICE IN MONTREAL
Designed as a reflection of Browns’ spirit, the new head office is built alongside its distribution center, allowing online orders to be sorted and shipped even faster, nationwide. For many years, the headquarters will proudly hold the LEED Silver certification, a recognition of its high environmental standards.
Browns
2025
DAVID BROWNSTEIN BECOMES PRESIDENT
As the company celebrates its 85th anniversary, it now counts 70 Browns and B2 stores across Canada. Led by a fourth generation of the Brownstein family, Browns continues to grow — driven by the strength, passion, and unique vision of each generation.
1940
The Browns Experience

Online and in-store, Browns magic is what keeps our customers coming back. Quality is woven through everything we do. From the products we select to the experiences we create, we hold ourselves to the highest standard, because we believe our clientele deserves only best.

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WORLD-CLASS SERVICE

Our people are our secret. They make every shopping experience seamless online and in store.

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BEST BRANDS

From the world’s top brands to our exclusive labels, we have an endless assortment to enjoy.

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70 STORES

Step into elevated store design in your favourite malls across Canada. Every detail is custom-made in Italy, using rare and unique materials chosen for their beauty and quality—just like our shoes.

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THE ONLINE STANDARD

Whether you choose 2-hour in-store pickup or our lightning-fast shipping, we’re committed to delivering the best online shopping experience: quick, easy, and reliable.

Brands we love
Brands we love

We are proud to carry over 100 of the most beloved global brands, whether it’s designer names or sneaker power players. From run-ready styles from On and adidas, to oh-so-cozy UGG, to runway-fresh Marc Jacobs, our lineup boasts only the best, season after season.

Browns is also home to an exclusive selection of boots, shoes and sneakers, celebrated for exceptional craftsmanship and a fashion-first point of view—designed by us and available only through us.

Join the Journey!

There’s no “I” in team. arrow Join ours. arrow Embark on an adventure with us.

There’s no “I” in team. arrow

Join ours. arrow

Embark on an adventure with us.

Browns

The shoes make the moment, but it’s also about the company you keep. When you join Browns, you become part of an 86-year-old family-owned Canadian business within which passion drives everything we do, with deep community roots and growth opportunities. Every year, we host award ceremonies across the country dubbed The Brownies, as a chance to celebrate our teams’ accomplishments in every region.

Our people are a vital part of our story: past, present, and future. And we love to keep this momentum going.

Perks of Working at Browns

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so our social calendar is buzzing with interactive, team building, and care-taking activities and perks. From free weekly yoga classes to monthly team BBQs, access to an open-air terrace and more, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.

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