The Chaussures Léon company has reason to celebrate: Founded in 1924, in 2024 they celebrated the 100th anniversary of what is now the oldest shoe store in Luxembourg. According to managing director Corinne Cahen, the celebration was an “unforgettable event.” Numerous guests were present, not least several ministers, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, many loyal customers and regular customers. The visit from the oldest former employee, who worked in the store back in 1947, was also a moving moment.
The opening of a new location was also cause for celebration. In addition to the historic location at the train station and a large store in the Belle Étoile shopping center, a store in Maarnach, in the north of the country, has been added to the portfolio since September.
100 years of Chaussures Léon
The company began 100 years ago at Neue Avenue 24 in Luxembourg-Gare. Léon Cahen opened the shoe store in 1924 and ran it together with his wife Selma. During the Second World War both left the country; however, work continued after the war.
In 1957, André Cahen joined the company as an apprentice, and in 1973 he took over the management of Chaussures Léon after the death of the founder. The heirs of Léon and Selma sold their last shares to André Cahen and his wife Paulette in 1988, which solidified the family’s place in the company’s history. Their daughter Corinne, who spent a lot of time in the company during her childhood, joined the company in 2001. To this day, she is the third generation to run the shoe business.
During the Corona pandemic, Chaussures Léon seized the opportunity to open a large store in the Belle Étoile shopping center despite the challenging situation. A few years later, for the company’s big anniversary, a third location was opened in Maarnach. This expands the branch portfolio and offers loyal customers even better accessibility.