SIZE NINE ONLY (1996–2026): Single-Size Shoe Boutique Steps Out for the Last Time
Perth's most specialist footwear outlet closes after 30 years, citing 'too many people with the wrong feet'.
A single pair of size nines, in mourning. Photo: Karl432, “Shop window display in Córdoba (Spain), Feb 2014”, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
SIZE NINE ONLY, the Perth boutique that sold exclusively size-nine shoes for 30 years, has closed as escape-room plans emerge nearby, its owners saying they “saw the writing on the wall, in size nine font”.
Founded in 1996 on the principle that “everyone is basically a nine if they try hard enough”, the shop built a loyal following among size-nine people and a much larger following of people who came in, tried them on and left limping.
“Our best year was 2003,” said its founder. “We sold forty pairs. To one man. He had a lot of cupboards.”
Survived by 600 pairs of size nines, a foot-measuring device that only ever said “nine”, and a sign reading NO HALF SIZES, NO NONSENSE.
The real story: Escape room plans for former shoe shop (The Courier)
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I’m a size nine and I’ve never felt so seen. Rest in peace.
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