Frank’s Shoe Repairs in the Inwood neighborhood of upper Manhattan.

When we took this #analog photo in 2004 for our book, “Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York” we had a chance to speak with the owner who told us that he had learned the art of shoe 👞 making and repairing from his father but that his kids were not really interested in the business as it was such hard work and long hours. We have sadly heard this from many #cobblers and we imagine this is one of the reasons why there has been a drastic decrease in the amount of shoe repair shops in the city. Coupled with the fact that many people these days purchase as Frank puts it, “cheaper “throw-away” shoes often made with plastic that are simply not worth repairing.”

We are curious as to how many small shoe repair businesses have closed in other parts of the USA and around the world 🌍. Let us know!