Merchant 1948 is opening a permanent cobbler dubbed Merchant Workshop at its Newmarket flagship in February 2020. Promoting longevity in shoes, the store within a store concept will offer repairs for any shoes (not just those bought at its stores) within the newly renovated Westfield Newmarket locale.
On-site cobbler, Steve Monks, honed his craft working at iconic shoe repair shop Shoe Sheriff for ten years and has added shoe shining, repairs and replacements and even monogramming in silver or gold foil to selected
styles at the concept.
Breathing second life into shoppers’ favourite shoes, the service will use Vibram soles for personalised resoling and will draw on the many years of craftsmanship and hand repair techniques Steve brings to the table.
The concept is one of a number of sustainability practices the shoe retailer, who also owns Deuce and Mi Piaci, has its sights on. Having set up a sustainability committee, the NZ-owned company has full oversight
over much of its China manufacturing and by owning its factory is committed to innovating and improving throughout the full manufacturing process.
“The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world and we’re committed to doing our piece. The next area we’re tackling is packaging and we are trialling a take-back scheme in our 277 store, where unwanted shoes can be passed forward to those in need,” says owner Shane Anselmi.
Any shoes can be brought to the cobbler, with prices starting from $20 for a basic repair through to $55 for a full resole and heel fix.
Top tip – if you’ve bought something from any of its Mi Piaci, Merchant 1948 or Deuce stores the company is offering a special 15 per cent discount to loyalty members who take up the service, while monogramming for
applicable Deuce styles is free for your first three letters ($3 per letter thereafter).
February 2020