Jean Cardino, originally from New Zealand, made her way to the Cowichan Valley nearly two decades ago. Jean saw an opportunity to apply her expertise in the fashion industry to build a destination shoe store in the heart of downtown Duncan. Cardino’s Shoes takes customer service to the next level by providing visitors with a truly unique shoe experience. Jean and her staff take the time to understand the people living in Cowichan and this passion for connecting with customers is reflected in the store’s inventory.
Cardino’s offers internationally renowned styles that are exciting yet practical, which resonates with local customers. Jean’s background in nursing also allows her to provide an educational component to her business. She teaches customers about alignment and the relationship between footwear and overall health.
Cardino’s Shoes continues to attract visitors from across Canada, contributing to a vibrant downtown. Jean actively engages with new opportunities to support the development of a vibrant retail community because she understands that successful businesses can profoundly shape our perception of the region. Cardino’s Shoes, like other well-loved retail outlets in Cowichan, is a community gathering place and a place where new ideas gain a foothold.