Danny Wasserman, the retail visionary who turned his family’s Upper West Side shoe store into an independent footwear institution, died on Saturday, his family confirmed.
Wasserman was the guiding force at Tip Top Shoes for more than 50 years — from the moment he joined his father, Max Wasserman, in the business.
In 2025, Tip Top, located on West 72nd Street, will mark both the 85th anniversary of its founding and the 60th anniversary of Wasserman family ownership — no small feat at a time when it has never been harder to be an independent operator. (The family acquired the store from original owner Ruth Pfiferling.)
Wasserman, who loved every aspect of the business, took great pride in the retailer’s ability to differentiate itself with top-notch customer service. “We tell our staff that everything we have is available somewhere else,” he told in 2015. “The only thing [that separates] us is our service.”
A regular on the shop floor, Wasserman was immensely proud that his two children, Lester and Margot, decided to follow in his footsteps and become co-owners. Together, the family expanded into the kids’ business with a standalone shop that opened in 1988 and opened a sneaker shop, West, in 2007. (Today, Lester oversees day-to-day operations at the company.)
“He was one of the smartest people in the shoe business,” Lester Wasserman wrote on Sunday. “I realize these are big shoes to fill, but I will do my absolute best to honor his legacy today and every day.”
Margot Wasserman remembered the daily texts she and her father exchanged about “everything and nothing.” Topics ranged from reordering the right shoes, “especially socks and inserts,” discussing the latest TV shows and what they had for dinner.
One important lesson that Wasserman taught his kids and many others about the shoe business: “If something is unique, it will have legs.”
At trade shows, Wasserman walked the halls from morning to night, often with an entourage in tow. He took great pride in his ability to spot new brands and emerging industry trends.
“We were one of the first to have Ugg Australia and one of the first in the Northeast to carry Birkenstock. I also recognized MBT, Kork-Ease, Sbicca huaraches and Jacques Cohen espadrilles,” he told FN in 2015.
Industry players reached on Sunday remembered Wasserman as one of a kind.
“I’ve known him all my life. He was a friend, a father and mentor to me. He was the best teacher anyone could be,” said Tarek Hassan, CEO of Concepts, who recalled attending countless shows and buying appointments under the tutelage of Mr. Wasserman. “He lived the business. He understood people, product and brands. He had an incredible eye. There’s only one Danny.”
“What a wonderful mentor and friend, and a true industry icon,” Maurice Breton, president of Comfort One Shoes, wrote on Facebook.
