The South Loop shoe salon Heelz achieved some level of notoriety because its owner, James Newsome, had been jailed 15 years for a murder he did not commit. The city paid him millions when he was exonerated; he later opened up the store.
Now this chapter is ending, as salon manager LaRhonda Bennett confirms that “we moving on… to new endeavors.” Bittersweet news, as always. Bad for the boutique culture, good for bargain hunters ready to help them liquidate their inventory at 70 percent off.