Williston Gets A Unique Store

Sam is getting SASsy! And that’s a good thing. Setting out to find the best shoe lines available, he managed to pull down exclusivity with SAS Shoes, a real win for him and the area! Choosing to locate in the iconic downtown Hedderich’s building on Main Street, Williston, it’s high, tin scrolled ceiling above and beautiful hand hewn pine floorboards below add character to his decor. “I wanted red carpeting throughout for that Red Carpet appeal, but my installer talked me into leaving the floor bare because it has such great qualities,” he says.

Sam Kitzenberg, former representative, senator, teacher/librarian and shoe salesman has come back to his roots. Growing into the family business, H&H Shoes, Glasgow, MT, which belonged to his father, Sam grew to love it. In his father’s wisdom, he one day sent Sam to a national buyers market in Minnesota, where he was told to find the top shoe. Coming home with SAS, an argument quickly ensued when his father refused to order more than six pairs. “I learned a valuable lesson that day and eventually the SAS line filled half a wall in our store,” he said. They worked side by side for many years and the business then became Sam’s Shoes. Eventually going to school at the University of Montana, Missoula, he obtained an English degree which he later upgraded to Teaching and Bachelor of Arts through Minot State University.

Over the years he’s won many prestigious awards. Among those is the Montana Education Association’s Apple Award, a Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year award, Pro Deo et Patria award for the Boy Scouts. Having worked tirelessly in the Montana state government for nearly 20 years; six years as a state representative and eight as a state senator, he is well connected.

During his time in government, Sam became fast friends with former Democratic Congress woman, Gabrielle Giffords. “The day that Gabby was shot, it was like that bullet went through my head too. I was glued to the television for the next four days,” he says with a tearful expression. He is reading her book and maintains his friendship with her.

Life has come full circle for him now, as he has settled in Williston and brought with him a great industry that he’s very passionate about; foot wear. Currently, there are no other retail outlets devoted solely to them. His secondary goal is to give excellent customer service. One comes in, is asked questions, is fitted and leaves with a product that will make them feel like they’ve been taken care of. “We’re selling solutions here,” he says.

During the process of opening his new space, several snags have had a definite impact. Because of delays with a local title company, Sam’s Shoes will be forced to hold several soft openings as inventory continues to trickle in. “It’s time for the flowers to bloom,” he waxes poetically, “and yet they are still in the box.”

His line will consist of major brands such as American Eagle, Naturalizer, LifeStride and of course, SAS. Consequently, among the 15 quality brands you will eventually find, the foot wear presented on the first of three Grand Openings will be joined by others on the second and third.

Sam’s Shoes will hold its first Grand Opening on Saturday, April 14 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. His second date is Saturday, April 21 and finally, Friday, April 27. Regular store hours are 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Assistant Manager Megan, the daughter of Sam’s accountant, is delighted for the experience that Sam is offering her. A student at Williston State College, she dreams of one day owning her own clothing store. Still looking to add team members, Sam is utilizing help wanted ads and is searching for several more talented persons to help him staff the sales floor.

Sam’s Shoes is located at 120 Main St., Williston. You can also reach him at 406-263-4242 for employment opportunities and other questions.