'The Shoe Lady' celebrates 25 years at JC Penny

Local News

August 11, 2009

By DUANE NOLLEN

OSKALOOSA — Peggy Spencer — “The Shoe Lady” — celebrated her 25th year with JC Penney’s Thursday morning with a party with her coworkers.

“This is my 25th anniversary as of Friday, the 7th of August,” Spencer said after her party as the store opened for business.

Spencer says she hears: “There’s the shoe lady” a lot.

“Back in ‘84, I worked at the other store. I worked in Women’s and Shoes,” she said.

When JC Penney’s moved from the Oskaloosa square to its present location in Penn Central Mall, employees drew lots for departments. She drew the lot for the shoe department.

“I’ve been the shoe lady ever since,” she said.

Through the years, Spencer has worked her way up to being one of three managers in the store.

“I have four departments now — Men’s, Children’s, Luggage and Shoes,” she said.

While managing four departments keeps Spencer on her toes, she broke her knee in June and has been on the sidelines recently. She broke her knee in June, but it wasn’t diagnosed until July.

“I had quite a knee replacement,” she said. “I look to be off for another six to eight weeks,” she said.

But, she was able to make it to the store to enjoy her anniversary party.

“I just had a wonderful party,” she said. Spencer received several notes and gifts. “I have some wonderful friends here,” she added.

Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com