Come celebrate a decade of one of Ballard’s most treasured stores: Market Street Shoes. During the next Ballard Art Walk on June 11, the store will be giving away one pair of shoes every hour, all day, in addition to offering 10 percent off purchases, live music, and what every 10-year-old birthday needs--cake!

Co-owners Lanne and Ryan Stauffer have planned the festive day to thank the community that’s sustained their business. They built their store with help from friends and family, plenty of tenacity in times of economic uncertainty, and unwavering love.

“Sometimes we’ve steered the ship. Other times, we’ve weathered the storm and been along for the ride,” said Lanne Stauffer, whose career in footwear began almost 30 years ago at the historic Woolly Mammoth on The Ave. “But always, we approach each day with a passion for our business, for our customer, and for our community."

Passion is right. Mike Stewart, Executive Director of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, described the husband-and-wife team as “an incredible asset to the Ballard community." In between running Market Street Shoes, the two are active members of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce, where they’ve been instrumental in the creation of Ballard Gives Black Friday, Ballard Holiday Fest and Bergen Place Midday Music. Additionally, Market Street Shoes supports emerging artists through local Art Walk, where they’ve hosted more than 100 artist receptions. As employers, they’ve provided jobs to more than 100 people.

"Lanne and Ryan are tremendously giving of their time, energy and commitment,” Stewart said. “Somehow, between running their business that’s a mainstay on Market Street, they work year-round on projects that greatly improve Downtown Ballard. From holiday lighting initiatives, park activation and planning special events, it's hard to miss the positive contributions these two have made in our community."

Selling shoes for men and women, Market Street Shoes is known for their friendly customer service and superb balance between style and comfort; it’s a store where both a millennial fashionista and her grandfather who loves to garden could each find the perfect pair. In addition to carrying brands such as Dansko, Eric Michael and Pikolinos, in recent years, the store has expanded offerings to include clothing, handbags and accessories from brands such as Toad&Co, fair-trade clothing company Indigenous, and local label Frock Shop.

“We set out from day one to provide our customers with the best service and experience possible, and to offer quality products that support life's everyday adventures," Ryan Stauffer said.