#SoleSupport #WhomYouKnow #PavlosShoeRepair #Pavlos #UpperEastSide #Manhattan @ManhattanPeachy #PeachyDeegan Continues to Highly Recommend Pavlos for the Best Shoe Repairs in Town! Includes the Interview with Legend Shoe Repairman #MichaelPapoutsakis Owner of Pavlos Shoe Repair Since 1974 and Recommended by Whom You Know
DO YOUR SHOES SMILE THIS BIG?
They do after a visit to SPA PAVLOS!
It's time to start the New Year on the right foot!
The fabulously talented Papoutsakis Family! Dad, Mom and Son!
Pavlos, Stefania and Mike Papoutsakis
This post is in honor of the late Pavlos Papoutsakis, who is most definitely so proud of his wife and son today and reading this up in heaven.
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As time goes by, our shoes wear down and we continue to love them more and more!
If you are also in love with your shoes, and Manhattan was made for girls in love with shoes, it is absolutely essential to know a shoe hospital where you can bring them in for repair. Unfortunately, in 2020 we now live in a world of fast casual fashion, fast casual food and fast casual lousiness in general that we feel is going to bite the dust and is past its prime. Nothing is made like it used to be made and real craftsmanship is in short supply.
Pavlos shoe repair to the rescue! This is their second review ever, and they exceeded our expectations. One of your new year's resolutions should be to get every pair of your shoes in tip-top shape to start the new year right! For your right foot, your left foot and every pair of shoes you own for both of them, go see Mike!
Previously on Whom You Know, Pavlos was featured first here:
Let's meet Peachy's biggest problems from 2019 that spent Christmas and New Year's at Pavlos.
The once classy black loafers made in Italy were less classy lacking sole and shine.
Very worn and sad, they were exhausted from keeping up with Peachy's review mileage.
Next in the lineup were those red-bottomed shoes - a pretty sexy number.
The last people that did the repair thought they were amazing.
They did not even put red on the bottoms-this is what a bad repair job looks like.
We never told you who it was and needless to say we didn't write on them-like Rita Wilson did not tell the world who did not show up to do her hair and makeup on time before the Golden Globes on Sunday...Rita looks amazing no matter what.
We only bring our best shoes to encore reviews, i.e. places that did a great job earlier on less favorite shoes.
These shoes have been crying in the back of Peachy's closet and were definitely looking forward to being resurrected.
Peachy's prized pink Barney's purse made in Italy is perhaps most forlorn of all. We were devastated when Barneys discontinued their warehouse sale but now that they are closing their actual store, this bag is beside itself. It needs serious therapy. Look at the worn leather edges:
If you are a bag alive in New York, inevitably a poor-mannered person will walk straight into you, nicking your bag and making both Peachy and the bag cry. This means you need Kleenex that only Pavlos has.
Fast-forward time to the blissful day of pick up and the reuniting of Peachy and her beloved shoes and bag!
AFTER!!!!!!!!!!:
Happy to be in the pink, the bag is alive and kicking and not so sad that Barney's is closing because Pavlos isn't!
Now that it is perfect, Peachy wishes she could walk around in a bubble like the Good Witch of the North in the Wizard of Oz so no one can nick her perfect bag!
Of course pictures don't lie and we never edit them.
Shine and classiness have been restored to the black loafers from every angle!
And happiest of all are the red-bottomed shoes who are as red-hot as ever now, completely.
They have told us they are inside shoes only now and have never looked so fabulous!
Excellence defined:
Right down to the toe!
Mike is a trustworthy owner dedicated to excellence. Listen to him:
Peachy Deegan: Please share the origins of your brand’s history.
Mike Papoutsakis:
My name is Michael Papoutsakis and I am the son of Pavlos and Stefania Papoutsakis. My parents, after the closing of the shoe factory in downtown NYC where they were employed, used their savings to open a small shoe repair on the upper east side of Manhattan. As was common in those days, the shops were named after the owner. So, in 1974 Pavlos shoe repair began its journey.
What are your best memories of growing up in the business?
My favorite thing to do growing up was going to work at the shop. Whenever school was closed and even on some Sundays my father would take me in and while he made repairs I would watch him move around the shop from machine to machine and on his work bench. He would give me tasks to do like to find matching color polishes or leather and laces so he could complete his work.
What do you admire most both personally and professionally about each of your parents, who started the business?
I have an infinite admiration for what they have accomplished as immigrants away from home with limited language and finances. They are still hardworking and dedicated to their trade, their shop, their family and to each other.
What has changed in the shoe repair industry over the many years your brand has practiced?
Over the years, the quality and quantity of materials used for repair and various machinery for the shoe repair industry have become more available. This allows us to do repairs more efficiently, economically and environmentally friendly.
What has changed in the bag repair industry over the many years your brand has practiced?
Bag repairs over the years have increased tremendously. As our customers have realized, we are able to save their favorite purses, bags, wallets, suitcase, briefcases and not only their leather products but other materials well. This is also where my mother’s amazing talent and experience of color matching and dying shoes and bags have brought our shop to the next level.
What shoes are you proudest to repair and why?
And your mom, and your dad?
Some of our proudest shoe repairs are the ones that we have maintained for years. What I mean about that is that our repairs have maintained a shoe for possibly over 35 years and going.
What bags are you proudest to repair and why?
And your mom, and your dad?
Some of our proudest bag repairs are the ones that we have also maintained for years. Our customers bring in purses, bags, briefcases, duffel bags etc. that have been passed on to them and have sentimental value or one of a kind values and we are able to prolong the life of the article with our leather care.
What should one do to maintain their shoes properly?
Proper maintenance of leather shoes starts by protecting them from the elements and that includes polishing, waterproofing and storage. Our most protective product is a rubber sole which provides the most water resistance and longest wear. Also, a rubber sole is slip resistant and adds to the comfort of a shoe.
What should one do to maintain their bags properly?
Proper maintenance of leather bags, similar to shoes, should be protected, sprayed against staining and stored properly. If they are covered in a breathable fabric and stored in a cool dry room, that is always a plus.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in shoe care and maintenance?
The biggest mistake people make in shoe care and maintenance is not protecting their investment. Shoes can be costly to buy and it only makes sense to care for them from the beginning and repair them in a timely manner when necessary. For example, don’t let dirty, wet, or stained shoes sit around until you need them again or wait for a hole to appear before you make a repair.
What are the biggest mistakes people make in bag care and maintenance?
Bag care is similar to shoe care in the sense that bags should be protected from the elements and stains. Its best to address a stain or spot as soon as possible rather than waiting for more stains and dirt to accumulate.
Are there shoe or bag problems that you have found impossible to fix or address?
Occasionally there are problems that have come into the shop that are unrepairable.
How long should one expect a pair of shoes to “live”? And a bag?
Shoes and bags can “live” for a long time as we have seen them being passed down from mother to daughter and father to son. With proper care and maintenance, we have seen shoes and bags last for decades.
Do you think shoes or bags will ever have a digital aspect to them?
I can see shoes having a digital aspect to them, like syncing with your smart phone and having a more accurate step count or weight measurement. Maybe even toe lights like car headlights to see where you're walking. Bags can join the digital world, maybe by having a gps signal locator or fingerprint reader to open the cash compartment.
What do you enjoy most about your occupation?
I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing my customers reaction to seeing their shoes and bags come back to life after we repair them.
Which shoes and bags are most popular today for women?
In Manhattan, the most popular tends to be the latest trend or designer. Most women change shoes and bags multiple times in a day. They have gym shoes and bag, office shoes and bags, casual shoes and bags and a night out on the town shoes and purses.
Which shoes and bags are most popular today for men?
It is difficult to point out the most popular shoes and bags for men in our shop because the result changes depending on personal styles, age and how they are used. Your typical or classic business shoe has been around forever but today’s style can be a sporty but casual business shoe with a suit. With almost everyone carrying a laptop, shoulder bags are very popular versus a traditional briefcase.
How has shoe and bag popularity varied over time?
I believe popularity has increased for shoes and bags over the years because of ease of access and cost to obtain. Along with the promotional side of which a celebrity can wear something and be seen across the globe in seconds.
What makes your repair shop superior?
Our repair shop offers an amazing repair quality that we believe is second to none. Our attention to detail is unsurpassed. We love what we do and we have been doing it in NYC for 46 years. We have a large selection of shoe care products, fitting and comfort aides. Along with a large selection of leather soles, we have an even greater selection of rubber soles in various thickness and colors. It allows our customers to maintain their shoes to an almost original condition or customize them to their liking. Quality work at a great price is hard to beat.
What should top shoe and bag brands do to stay competitive?
Top shoe and bag brands always have to provide a quality product at a fair price that’s maintainable in order for their customers to be loyal to their brand.
In the shoe industry is there any such thing as an authorized repair shop for a certain brand as there is with Rolex and watch repair, for example?
Authorized repair shops do exist in the industry but we do not depend on one major name brand to keep us going. Our loyal repeat customers are our bread and butter.
What are your favorite shoes and why? And your mom, and your dad?
I don’t particularly have a favorite brand but a pair of cordovan leather loafers with tassels always has been my go-to evening choice and lace-up for business attire. Mom has moved on from stilettos to lower heeled pumps and flats. Dad will also wear leather soled for a formal occasion but will take the comfort of a rubbered sole shoe for the rest of the day.
Can one do business with your shop online or do you need to visit in person?
People do find us online and send in repairs. We currently have customers that love our work but have moved out of the city and will mail us their shoes for repair. It is a rewarding feeling when people go to those lengths to have their shoes repaired by us.
What is the full scope of services you offer?
We repair shoes, bags, wallets, belts, luggage, jackets, zippers and all leather items. We do custom repairs and adjustments. Dyeable shoes and bags to match. We can custom fit boots to fit your calf/leg. We provide a delivery service and many services while you wait in our shop.
When you are done working what are your favorite things to do in Manhattan?
After work I am just like many other hard-working New Yorkers with a family; we have dinner and relax and unwind to try get ready for tomorrow.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you?
I would like to say thank you to my customers for the love, respect and continued support they have shown us over the years. And a that I will continue work hard and provide excellent repairs and service to our customers. I would like to thank Peachy for her patience and diligence and this opportunity to be interviewed.
Why does some leather wear away? Is it always a sign of poor craftsmanship?
All leather can wear away with time, amount of use and exposure to the elements. Its not only poor craftmanship but also poor choice of leather for the type of use the purse will get.
Does using leather polish help this wearing away or does that add to the problem?
Polishing leather is a way of protecting it from the elements. Polish can provide water and stain resiliency and beautify at the same time. Unfortunately, it cannot stop wear and tear completely.
What bag brands are the most durable?
I don’t know which brand is considered the most durable because there are so many variables considered when choosing and carrying a purse.
Does price always equate with quality in bags in your experience? Why or why not?
No, I don’t believe that price equates with quality all the time. There are less costly leather bags that will outlast a more expensive counterpart. The difference can be, if it is in style today and brand name recognition.
When one stains something, what should one do immediately to minimize the stain?
A lot depends on what type of stain it is and the material of the bag. The basics would be not to scrub it and spread it but rather to pat it dry and try to absorb. Ideally, everyone should remember to apply some type of water and/or stain repellent to protect their bags before they are used.
Is there anything else our readers should know about these bag repairs?
Bag repairs are a big part of our business and if you have a purse or bag that you would like to repair/restore bring it by or you can send me a picture
(shoemakerny@verizon.net) and let’s discuss options.
Some shoe brands make better soles than others. Who makes the best soles?
There are so many types of soles that we use in our work and it depends on the customer’s request and preference to what is considered the best.
Do you dare say what shoe brands make soles that make your business thrive the most?
Any shoe brands that are made with materials that are repairable and have quality uppers are good for business.
Mission Statement of Your Pavlos Brand:
To provide an excellent experience and quality repairs year after year!
Pavlos is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
Date Brand formed: 1974
125 East 88th Street, Upper East Side, Manhattan
212 876 8569
We look forward to their Twitter and Website!
email: shoemakerny@verizon.net
