PHOTO GALLERY: Jody Paschal and his Gidley's Shoe Store face a changing business landscape in downtown Fulton

July 1, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

At age 34, Jody Paschal is a business owner on a changing path. With three years under his belt as owner of Gidley's Shoe Store, Paschal is facing a changing business landscape.

Laura Fennewale tries on a pair of boots with the help of Jody Paschal, owner of Gidley's Shoe Store, in downtown Fulton. Fennewale would later come back to buy the boots along with another pair of shoes. | Dak Dillon

Gidley's Shoe Store, located in the brick district in downtown Fulton, is one of few remaining stores in a once-thriving downtown. Jody Paschal purchased the store from Helen Gidley three years ago. Today, many of the surrounding stores are closed or are open reduced hours each day. | Dak Dillon

Vanessa Gillette looks in the mirror at a pair of black dress shoes she's trying on at Gidley's Shoe Store in downtown Fulton. Gillette came into the store searching for a pair of shoes to wear to a family graduation. | Dak Dillon

Jody Paschal, owner of Gidley's Shoe Store, waits near the store entrance for the next customer to arrive in downtown Fulton. Paschal estimates he sees more than 30 customers a day in the store. | Dak Dillon