Iconic 100+ Year Turnkey Shoe Store Prime Ithaca, NY Location
Business Description
Rare opportunity to acquire an iconic footwear retailer established in 1907, serving the Cornell University community and greater Ithaca area for over 100 years. This legendary independent shoe store occupies a prime 2,000 square foot storefront just 500 feet from Cornell's original entrance in the heart of Collegetown.
Business Overview:
This turnkey operation generates $925,000 in annual revenue with $132,000 in seller's discretionary earnings. The business serves a stable, recession-resistant university market with guaranteed recurring traffic from Cornell University and Ithaca College students, faculty, and the local community. The store specializes in premium winter and comfort footwear with established brand accounts and knowledgeable fitting services.
Key Strengths:
• Over century-long heritage with irreplaceable brand equity
• Prime location in high-density pedestrian corridor adjacent to campus
• Stable university market provides consistent annual customer cycle
• Fully equipped turnkey operation with retail fixtures and shoe repair capabilities
• Extensive customer database built over decades
• Established relationships with sought-after footwear brands
• Current lease through March 2027 at $5,098 monthly
Growth Potential:
Cornell University continues expanding development and enrollment, creating fresh market opportunities annually. Recent revenue reflects temporary impact from construction and street closures, presenting upside potential for new ownership.
Financials:
• Annual Revenue: $925,000
• Cash Flow: $132,000
• Inventory Value: $250,000
• Monthly Lease: $5,098
The retiring owner of 33 years offers 30-45 days of consulting and training support for seamless transition. This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a legendary retail institution in one of New York's premier university markets.
Asking Price: $200,000 + Inventory (approx 250K)
Business Overview:
This turnkey operation generates $925,000 in annual revenue with $132,000 in seller's discretionary earnings. The business serves a stable, recession-resistant university market with guaranteed recurring traffic from Cornell University and Ithaca College students, faculty, and the local community. The store specializes in premium winter and comfort footwear with established brand accounts and knowledgeable fitting services.
Key Strengths:
• Over century-long heritage with irreplaceable brand equity
• Prime location in high-density pedestrian corridor adjacent to campus
• Stable university market provides consistent annual customer cycle
• Fully equipped turnkey operation with retail fixtures and shoe repair capabilities
• Extensive customer database built over decades
• Established relationships with sought-after footwear brands
• Current lease through March 2027 at $5,098 monthly
Growth Potential:
Cornell University continues expanding development and enrollment, creating fresh market opportunities annually. Recent revenue reflects temporary impact from construction and street closures, presenting upside potential for new ownership.
Financials:
• Annual Revenue: $925,000
• Cash Flow: $132,000
• Inventory Value: $250,000
• Monthly Lease: $5,098
The retiring owner of 33 years offers 30-45 days of consulting and training support for seamless transition. This represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a legendary retail institution in one of New York's premier university markets.
Asking Price: $200,000 + Inventory (approx 250K)
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 119
- Employees
- 4 (2 Full-time, 2 Part-time)
- Facilities & Assets
- 2000 sq/ft established storefront on street level with street parking and a parking garage around the corner. Comes with all fixtures and display pieces. Owner can help facilitate new favorable lease with cooperative landlord. We've been leasing this space for 24 years. Current lease expires 3/31/2027.
- Website
- https://www.fontanas-shoes.com/
- Market Outlook / Competition
- Prime location in the heart of Cornell University Collegetown for over 100 years. We offer knowledgeable fitting service and highly sought after brands.
- Opportunities for Growth
- Cornell University continues to grow in development and population annually! New market every year!
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Leased
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 2,000
- Rent
- $5,098 per month
- Lease Expiration
- 3/31/2027
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Owner Retiring after 33 years.
- Transition Support
- Owner can stay on as a consultant and help train for 30-45 days.
Listing Info
- ID
- 2529652
- Listing Views
Business Location
Listing ID: 2529652 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
Businesses for SaleNew York Businesses for SaleNew York Retail Stores Businesses for SaleNew York Other Retail Stores Businesses for Sale




