Orva Shoes

Beginning as a hosiery chain in 1948, ORVA expanded with stores that spread from the New York metro area; Syracuse to Detroit, Columbus, Dayton and grew to as many as 19 stores, specializing in a niche market of hosiery and dance-wear. The groundwork for their concept of a small department store in the heart of a residential neighborhood, was established. The flagship ORVA womens store opened on East 86th Street in Manhattan in 1982, servicing a discerning clientele, and became a well known fixture in the hood It became a haven for the Saturday generation of shoppers. The merchandising cornered the market on active wear and athletic gear for exercise crazed women of all ages.