Rippe’s fashion show sponsored by Halifax Women’s Club at the Berry Hill Resort, March 1, 2008. 112 in attendance.
While other independent shoe store owners wrangle about what handbags to carry, Ben Rippe often faces a different dilemma—whether to put a particular line of purses in his shoe store or his women’s clothing store, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. He admits it can be a tough call. What to do with roomy fox fur bags? Both stores are carrying them.
Read more: “Complementary Businesses Make Rippe’s a Downtown Destination”
Raised over $4,000 for local breast cancer patients in need as administered by the Danville Cancer Association.
The event at Rippe’s was held on October 25.
Mayor Wayne Williams, Ben Rippe and Council Woman Ruby Archie at Rippe's Shoes Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening Celebration on May 10.
Rippe’s Shoes celebrated its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Thursday May 10th, 5:30 p.m.
Rev. Jeff Wright, Pastor of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church and friend of the owner, gave the invocation.
Ben Rippe, president of Rippe’s Shoes, Rippe’s and Rippe’s Furs made acknowledgements. He said that Danville Virginia was the area’s retail hub and that Downtown Danville is the center of that hub. He stated further, “We believe in the future of Danville. We will continue to progress our local family business, Rippe’s fashion, Rippe’s Furs and Rippe’s Shoes. We built Rippe’s shoes, a near $500,000 investment counting inventory, to give customers the opportunity to shop large selections of brands and sizes in better women’s shoes and handbags…all at competitive prices at a central local address.”
In the short time since the doors opened in the fall, sales have more than doubled sales from the mezzanine location. Customers are saying, “Now I can buy the kinds of shoes I like in Danville.”
Rippe lauded the fifteen associates, introducing each one and stating they are the foundation of the business. They go all the way with each and every customer.
Next Mayor Wayne Williams addressed the audience. He congratulated Rippe’s being a Market Leader and pointed out that strong economic development can only occur with an improving, viable Downtown. He complimented Rippe’s for participating in that improvement.
Council Woman and former Mayor Ruby Archie followed the Mayor. She said she had lived in Danville fifty-one years and has been a customer of Rippe’s fifty-one years. Rippe’s has beautiful things that people want and now this great shoe store.
Then Mrs. Archie and Dr. Williams cut the ribbon in front of the store. A reception followed catered by Rippe’s Associates and Rippe’s.
Ray Estes, Design Partner of New Era Shoe Store Design in Durham (and designer of Rippe’s Shoes) stated that this was the nicest shoe store of its size in the Carolinas and Virginia.
See archive of earlier events for more.