Support Your Local Shoemaker!
As a real estate agent, for Century 21 Crest in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, I go through a lot of shoes. And, as a vertically challenged (ok, so I'm short) person, I always wear heels, and the heels always get ruined. Usually, I just throw the shoes out and get a new pair. Now, I don't buy expensive shoes, but it is aggravating and costly when they only last a few months.
Well, last week, I finally went on a search for a neighborhood shoemaker in the area of Lincoln Park. (I guess the smart thing to do would have been to check the internet or yellow pages, but I just asked around.) It took awhile, but I finally found out that there was a shoemaker in Pompton Plains..just up the road from my office.
I went into Mario's Shoe Repair*, and there was a lovely woman behind the counter and a shoemaker in the back. She told me they could put lifts on my boots, for $8.00, while I waited. I sat myself down and had a chat with the woman, who had started the store many years ago with her husband, who passed away 25 years ago. The shoemaker in the back was her brother. As I spent time in the shop, the woman showed me pictures of times gone by, and told me of the Totes and hand-sewn pocketbooks that used to line the shelves. There is not much demand for these items anymore, she said, and now the shelves are empty except for some shoelaces and bottles of shoe polish. I was saddened by the sense that the need for shoemakers seems to be dwindling.
I decided then and there that I would spread the word to my friends and co-workers that there is an alternative to throwing away worn shoes...a shoemaker right in the neighborhood. Then I decided to spread the word on a blog. For $8.00, and 15 minutes of my time, my boots will be walking for a few more months. So, don't throw away your shoes..save some money and support your local shoemaker!
*Marios Shoe Repair is at 574 Newark Pompton Turnpike (Clock Tower) in Pompton Plains, NJ (973)835-6773
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