BEATRICE - One of the most popular businesses in downtown Beatrice will be moving to new digs, later this summer.


Owners of Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, Trevor and Erin Chadwick formally announced on their Facebook page Monday that the store plans to move to a new location…the former Sear’s Store along North Sixth Street.


The owners plan to start at the new location, on August 1st. Brown’s Shoe Fit is a long-time business, having been in Beatrice since 1956.


The store was formerly operated by Dick Dunn, and then Nick and Deb Covey. The Chadwick’s have now operated the business for six-and-a-half years. The couple’s two young daughters are excited about the move.


Trevor Chadwick says it was a tough decision to leave the downtown area and move to the North 6th location. The former Sears store is along a U.S. Highway in a high-traffic business zone. The new store area is expected to more than double the business's retail space, and help expand offerings.
The owners have added some lines of footwear while downtown and brought some brands back, when needed.


Over the years, parking has been one issue generating some discussion in the downtown area, although public lots are spaced throughout the area. Erin Chadwick says parking didn't really a factor in, with the decision to move.


As for customer reaction from those who knew about the move ahead of time, there was some shock from people, because the store has been a fixture in the downtown for several years. But, the couple says most are positive above the transition.


Remodeling has been underway at the new store location, off the east side of U.S. 77.