Harold Ruttenberg, the founder and former chairman of Just For Feet, lost his battle with brain cancer last week. He was 63 years old. The energetic retail pioneer was diagnosed with cancer in January 2004 and had spent nearly two years battling the disease through radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He also underwent two surgeries.
Mr. Ruttenberg died December 23, 2005 at his home. He was buried Monday at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. While he was reportedly surrounded by family at the time of his death, friends of the family said that son Don Ruttenberg, who is serving a 20 month sentence on fraud charges related to the demise of Just For Feet, was not allowed to attend the funeral.
Harold Ruttenbergs legacy will unfortunately be tainted by the bankruptcy and liquidation of the retail powerhouse that he built from one lone location in 1986 into a nearly 400-door operation through organic growth and the acquisition of Athletic Attic and Sneaker Stadium. JFF went public in 1994. Sales were projected to pass the $1 billion mark by the Millennium.
Just For Feet was acquired out of bankruptcy in early 2000 by Footstar, the former parent of the Footaction chain. Footstar was forced to file bankruptcy in 2004, due in part to the weight of the Just For Feet leases they acquired. Footstar closed the remaining JFF doors in March 2004. Footaction is now owned by Foot Locker, Inc.
SEC suits and criminal fraud charges were filed against former JFF management, including son Don, and a number of executives of former JFF vendors for falsifying records and misleading auditors and investigators. Fines and sentences were levied with some former executives serving jail time and/or home detention. Harold Ruttenberg was never charged in the case.
Mr. Ruttenberg is survived by his wife, Pam Ruttenberg; sons Don-Allen Ruttenberg and Warren Ruttenberg; daughter Jodi Benck; sister Sonia Stockley; and several grandchildren. The family said donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Temple Beth-El.
>>> Whatever ones personal feelings about Harold Ruttenberg, most will agree that he was a true pioneer and visionary in an industry that has so few
