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Business & Tech

Repair is the Sole of New Berkley Business

Berkley Shoe Repair restores shoes and sports equipment and offers orthopedic services.

When you pull out your lucky bowling shoes before the big tournament only to find that the soles are showing some serious wear, don’t panic, and for, goodness sake, don’t throw them in the garbage.

Instead, take your shoes for an expert resoling at Berkley Shoe Repair.

“I’ve always been a handyman, and I love to work with my hands,” said John Hanna, who owns the newest shop on the Robina strip, which opened for business May 4.

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With 25 years of shoe repair experience, owning businesses in Dearborn and Detroit, Hanna said he picked up the craft from family members throughout his life. He also spent 7 years honing his skills at an orthopedic specialty business, learning about foot mechanics and perfecting techniques to modify shoes to correct a customer’s gait.

As an example, Hanna recently resoled a good-quality pair of dark brown penny loafers for a customer who supinates, or walks on the outside of his feet, causing uneven wear on his shoes. Hanna built up the sole in the correct places to offset his customer’s walking pattern, with the intention of providing a more comfortable walking experience.

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“I really love how I can take a pair of shoes, figure out how a person walks, and modify the shoe to serve a positive purpose,” Hanna said.

While the modification may increase the repair fee, the cost is still less than the purchase of new shoes, plus it provides comfort to the customer, he said.

Not every customer needs custom orthopedic work done, and the bulk of Hanna’s business is resoling, which he can even provide for special shoes such Birkenstock sandals.

For Sam Finegood, 87, of Berkley a visit to the shoe repair shop is just another way to repair something that still serves a useful purpose.

“Mr. Hanna solved my insolvable problem,” said Finegood, referring to repair work on shoes that were too big.

Companies that provide repair services are positioned to do well in our difficult economy, according to business magazine website Inc.com. Naming repair businesses as one of the current top start-ups, Inc.com said shoe repair services have seen business “more than double since the start of the recession.”

This forecast is only valid if the public sees the value in repairing, rather than discarding, quality shoes, said Randy Lipson, third generation craftsman and past board member of the Shoe Service Institute of America.

“Many customers will just throw away shoes that can be fixed, unfortunately, which takes business from their local community and supports the wrong people,” said Lipson, noting that many shoes are now manufactured in China. “Spending money at the local shoe repair in my community helps the tax base and it’s the oldest form of recycling.”

Shoe repair shops are subject to the trends of the customer base, Lipson said.

“Younger customers, those from about 18 to 30, are all about saving things and going green,” he said. “They shop vintage and get quality shoes and want to know how to extend the life of what they just bought for seven or eight dollars. We really do see the need for this trade to grow.”

In addition to providing repairs, Berkley Shoe Repair carries a wide variety of shoe care products, including polishes, cedar shoe trees and leather cleaners and conditioners.

“Just like a car needs care and service to keep it performing well, our shoes need service, too,” Hanna said. “I could talk all day about leathers and how to care for them to keep them looking their best.”

After working for in Berkley, Hanna knows his local customers and is ready and willing to provide quality service with a smile, he said.

“I’m excited to be here and just want people to know I am here and open for business,” Hanna said.

In addition to a variety of shoe repair services for street shoes, boots and sneakers, Berkley Shoe Repair offers the following services:

  • Sports equipment repair, including baseball, hockey, bowling and golf equipment
  • Velcro and elastic
  • Stretching
  • Zipper repair and replacement
  • Dance and tap shoe repair
  • Belt shortening
  • Roller and ice skate repair
  • Wallet repair
  • Police gear repair
  • Tent or boat cover repair

Berkley Shoe Repair is located at 3445 Robina Ave., Berkley 48072. Call 248-399-5545 for more information.

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