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For those among us who don't believe that shoe repairmen still exist in the Salt Lake City area, they do. And actually several of their businesses are thriving.
One of the businesses that's doing favorably is Michael's Expert Shoe and Boot, located at 3580 S. Redwood Rd. in Salt Lake City. Owner Michael Gustafson said his business has been "increasing steadily." He attributed his success to the demand for alterations of prescription therapeutic footwear.
The 14-year-old shop is run by Gustafson by himself, which is normal for Salt Lake City cobbler shops. Most have only one or two employees, who are usually family members. He hopes to one day expand the therapeutic shoe sales, he said.
Gustafson said of his recent clients, "the demographic is younger. There is a trend towards recycling or the green movement (social activism to decrease consumerism...