Two longtime businesses merge for customer convenience

COSHOCTON - The merger of two longtime Main Street businesses is complete, offering one location for customers to find shoes and women’s clothing.

Carton’s Shoes, formerly located at 420 Main St., and Golden’s women’s clothing completed the merger into Carton’s Shoes and Ladies Apparel about a month ago. The shop is now open for business at 410 Main St., the former home of Golden’s clothing.

Although the move was hectic at times, owner Lynn Weaver said it was worth the effort.

“We thought it would be better to offer one-stop shopping for our customers,” said Weaver, who owns the businesses with her husband, Jerry.

Both businesses have been in the family for years. Carton’s was founded by her husband’s grandfather, Thomas Carton, in 1909. The Weavers took ownership of Golden’s, which was founded in 1913, seven years ago.

Weaver said in addition to providing one location, Carton’s also has a new streamlined look and brands and sizes that fit the needs of customers.

Men’s shoes are located at the front of the store, and a spacious layout of ladies’ apparel and shoes provides ample space for browsing and shopping.

Carton’s will continue to offer a complete line of New Balance shoes, Stride Rite children’s shoes and several brands of men’s and women’s dress shoes. Weaver said hard-to-find sizes and special orders also are available, as well as women’s accessories including jewelry, scarves and purses.

Weaver said many years ago, Golden’s was known as being a high-end clothing store. Today, Carton’s has kept up with current trends, she said, offering high-quality clothing at affordable prices.

“We have a line of clothing that works best for our clientele,” Weaver said. “We take pride in helping our customers find exactly what they need.”

Carton’s also will specialize in mother-of-the-bride dresses and separates, and manager Florence Whitcomb is “great at helping customers put looks together,” Weaver said.

“I’ve been a fashion bug for over 20 years,” Whitcomb said. “We love giving person attention. I think it’s something that’s just not done much anymore. It’s that personal touch.”

The goal is to keep the business open and encourage people to shop locally.

“We have a lot of loyal customers that keep coming back,” Weaver said, adding she hopes to attract new shoppers with the one-stop location. “Stop in and give us a try.”

Carton’s Shoes and Ladies Apparel is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. An open house will take place, but a date has not yet been set.