About AGS Footwear Group
The AGS Footwear Group founded in Richmond, Virginia over 80 years ago, is now in its third generation of family ownership. We currently specialize in design, servicing and distribution in the footwear industry.
The Beginning…
Established in 1932 as a shoe components wholesaler, Acme Leather Company was created by Alex and Sarah Jacobs in Richmond, Virginia with the primary objective of serving the material and component needs of local cobblers. The original staff of the company consisted of the Jacobs family and a warehouseman. As the company grew through the 1940’s and 1950’s, the geographic area increased and the product offering was broadened to “front room” items to service shoe and department stores.
Growth…
In the 1960’s, the second generation of Jacobs took the helm and the operation was broadened to include rubber footwear and weather related overshoes. As the 1970’s arrived, the firm began importing and distributing athletic footwear and children’s footwear to department stores, chains and independent retailers in addition to its burgeoning accessories business. In order to have a title that reflected a more general product mix, a new name was created Acme General Supply.
Today...
In the late 1980’s/early 1990’s, the third generation of family entered the business. To create new distribution channels and serve new customers, the company broadened its distribution reach as well as established its own group of brands in footwear. A medical division was established to be a complete resource for pedorthists and footcare specialists. In 1990 the CUDAS® brand footwear line was born. CUDAS® is an outdoor/active lifestyle footwear brand with distribution to active lifestyle retailers, sporting goods and shoe stores. In 2001, the SUPERIOR BOOT CO® brand was born to further develop the weather boot business and service shoe stores, equestrian shops and feed and seed supplies. In addition, a private label footwear division exists to work with great partners to leverage our knowledge niche and develop specialty OEM product for name brands, catalogs, chain retailers.
In 2015 an agreement was reached for sole North American distribution of STEGMANN® Wool Felt Clogs to balance out seasonality and offer the highest quality wool clog ever made. We're honored to carry on the Stegmann tradition of quality and to offer legendary Stegmann comfort to more US customers.
To learn more, please read about the Stegmann Story and their proud history.
