7 Comments
Dec 31, 2020Liked by Michael Williams

Thanks for shedding the light on these types of businesses. Amazon will never offer dry cleaning, shoe repair, hands-on tailoring or anything else with a human.

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Dec 31, 2020Liked by Michael Williams

This is a great shout, Michael. I resolved for 2020 not to buy any more clothes or shoes, but a re-soled pair back from North 11th Shoe Repair in Williamsburg hits the same as a new pair, but better. I'm going Monday with some red brick McNairy wingtips that need new heels, and some Oak Street crepe loafers that need a full resole.

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Something is really wrong at Willie’s post pandemic. Front of the store is closed all the time, calls are dodged, appointments keep getting moved, time is wasted showing up standing in the filthy alley waiting for nothing only to come back again and again, excuses made, promises broken, items missing, if you are “lucky” enough to actually get work completed and handed to you it’s so shoddy, money taken without service rendered or property restored, place looks like a disaster inside, and Raul looks completely strung out… on? Super sad that this place has gone south so hard so fast. Hope this guy gets the help he actually needs. The place is in need of a quick intervention.

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This is helpful-even to those of us that are out of town. I love my Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, when they're new. But I've had a real hard time finding a good repair shop to work with them when they get wornout (since Wolverine doesn't support them.) Most shops in-town won't touch a glued heel cup; A few shops think that they can't work with them and then they don't do a great job. I love my city and I love our small businesses but one of the one positive things about our national conversation is that we can simply support those special artisans that we may not have locally. Best to everyone in the new year.

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Joy in simple things and the craft of handmade artisans...great read, thanks for sharing! HNY

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As a fellow Los Angeleno, I will check out Willie's for sure. Another great shoe shine/repair shop in the area is Mike's Shoe Repair in Woodland Hills. I believe Neimans and Nordstroms uses Mike's to do their repairs as well. Check them out, Mike's Shoe Repair 4864 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

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