Browns Shoes
Browns Shoes is a Canadian footwear retailer and brand founded in Montreal in 1940 by Benjamin Brownstein. It sells women's, men's and children's shoes from international designer labels alongside its own exclusive collections.
| Founded | 1940, Montreal |
|---|---|
| Founder | Benjamin Brownstein |
| Headquarters | Montreal, Canada |
| Stores | About 72 across Canada |
| Banners | Browns, B2, Browns OUTLET |
| Website | brownsshoes.com |
What is Browns Shoes?
Browns Shoes is a privately owned Canadian footwear company headquartered in Montreal's Saint-Laurent borough. It operates around 72 stores across Canada under the Browns, B2 and Browns OUTLET banners.
History
The business was founded in Montreal in 1940 by Benjamin Brownstein, an immigrant from Romania. It has remained a private, family-rooted company while expanding into a national retail chain.
Products and positioning
Browns combines third-party designer footwear with its own labels. The assortment covers shoes for women, men and children, including brands such as Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman and Giuseppe Zanotti.
- Exclusive in-house collections including Mimosa, Browns Couture and The Wishbone Collection
- Further private labels such as Luca Del Forte, Intensi and Artica
- The B2 banner and label aimed at a younger customer
Distribution
The company sells through its own store network across Canada, with full-price and outlet formats, and through its e-commerce site.
Why it matters
Browns is a leading example of a specialist footwear retailer that blends curated designer brands with exclusive private labels, a model that helps independent chains differentiate from department stores.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Browns Shoes?
Browns Shoes was founded in Montreal in 1940 by Benjamin Brownstein.
Where is Browns Shoes based?
The company is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, and operates stores across Canada.