National Shoe began in 1939 as a small shoe store on the corner of Howley Rd and Broadway and a vision in the mind of its founder Nicholas Alteen. A few years later the company relocated from the small store to a larger location a fews doors away on Broadway. In 1953, after the Broadway fire of November 1952, National Shoe relocated across the street to the larger Alteen Building where it still exists today. The company began a Wholesale Division in the late 1950’s and established a large list of wholesale clients throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nicholas Alteen died in 1960 when his brother Louis Alteen assumed leadership of the company. Under Louis’ leadership, the company continued to expand with the establishment of a Safety Equipment Division which now operates under the name National Safety Equipment and boasts 2 locations in Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

After more than 8 decades National Shoe continues to operate as a cornerstone of the vibrant Downtown area of Corner Brook.