Shoe repair shop up for sale after 95 years

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This article was published 24/07/2024 (460 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Union Shoe Store has announced the sale of a longstanding local institution that operates in the basement of its building at 618 Rosser Ave.

The sale of The Shoe Repair Store will mark the end of an era that began 95 years ago.

The store dates back to around 1904, but its current form began when Greek immigrants Alex and George Mehos purchased the business, originally called Union Shoe and Hat Works, in 1929.

Co-owner Bob Pappas, Alex Mehos’ grandson and third-generation steward of the business, took over the reins in 1987 from his father, Constantine Pappas. Bob’s wife, Angela, joined the business full-time in 2008 after a 26-year career in the grocery industry with IGA and Sobeys.

Bob told the Sun they are selling the shoe repair business because the current operator, Garth Epp, retired last year.

“Epp still does some work for us from his house because we refer people to him,” he said. “But he’s retired and works when he feels like it.”

The goal, he said, is to find someone who will maintain the high standards and values that have been “the cornerstone of our family business for generations.”

Angela said several interested parties have already shown enthusiasm about the opportunity to acquire the shop, but the couple has yet to find a buyer who aligns with their vision of preserving the store’s legacy.

“It’s important to us that the new owner understands the significance of this business to the community,” Angela said. “We’re looking for someone who is not just buying a business, but also embracing a legacy. We believe in the personal touch, whether it’s helping someone find the right shoe or ensuring a proper fit or repair.”

Bob said while every small town once had a cobbler, the shoe repair unit is now the only place between Regina and Winnipeg where shoes can be repaired.

He said the main challenge in the shoe repair business isn’t the demand for the services but finding skilled workers.

“Running the business isn’t a challenge at all. If a person knows the business, there’s more than enough work,” he said, comparing the steady demand for shoe repairs to that of a doctor’s services.

When Epp took over the repair shop, he initially operated it from Tuesday to Thursday, commuting between Brandon and Winnipeg where his family resided, Angela said.

“He was afraid he wouldn’t have enough work,” she recalled. “But I told him, once you start taking work in, it’s going to be like a floodgate opening and that was what happened.”

Angela added that even now, they receive six to 12 inquiries for shoe repairs daily.

“This is a very good opportunity for someone who is already trained to start their own business,” she said, adding they are looking for an owner-operator rather than an employee.

According to Bob, the couple have a preference for a well-trained individual who can communicate effectively in English.

“We would lease the space to him or her and help with pricing and other business aspects,” he said.

Regarding potential buyers, Bob said they haven’t had many inquiries, just two people from Nigeria last year.

“The challenge is finding someone with the talent willing to move to Brandon, Manitoba.”

Angela said Winnipeg still has about five or six shoe repair shops, down from over 30. The decline is due to younger generations not being interested in the trade.

“It’s hard work and can be dirty, but it’s inside work. You don’t have to worry about the weather,” she said. “While shoe repair doesn’t command the same wages as other skilled trades like carpentry or plumbing, it still offers a good living.”

Originally, the business made custom shoes and repairs at its old location at 924 Rosser Ave.

“When my father-in-law took over the business in 1958, he didn’t make shoes anymore because he wasn’t a trained cobbler,” Angela said.

She added that Bob’s father, Constantine, better known to his customers as “Dino,” started selling work boots in the store because he saw a need within the community.

However, the original location was too small to handle both shoe repair and retail, so he moved the retail business to its current location at 618 Rosser Ave. Eventually, the repair business moved over as well.

When Gus retired from full-time work in 1987, Bob ended up taking over.

“I grew up in the business, so I haven’t done anything else,” Bob said.

While there are many stores selling shoes these days, Angela said that Union sets itself apart through customer service.

As an example, she said she helps elderly customers take their shoes on and off as they shop for a new pair.

They work with customers with special requirements, like having one leg longer than the other, and adjusting shoes to make them comfortable.

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