Why Broadway Shoe Repair remains a "fix"ture of nearly 40 years

How is it that some businesses, like Broadway Shoe Repair, manage to stay relevant as the city’s generations change? To me, the answer is simple: they consistently respond to their customers’ needs. For Broadway Shoe Repair, that means continuing to be Saskatoon’s premiere destination for Birkenstocks, Blundstones, and shoe repair, but it also means bringing in new high-quality lines and catering to a demo that is, literally, growing: children.

New to the shop for kids and adults alike is Muck Boots, a nearly indestructible winter boot that’s not only 100% waterproof but also rated to -40. These are easy-on and easy-off but do stay on in between— it’s the holy grail of winter boots for kids. I’m happy to pass along a discount code that will give you 15% off your purchase of Muck & other selected brands in store or online until Nov 10: SNEAKS15.

Included in the discount code is Darn Tough, a comfy and durable brand of socks that delivers very, very long wear. In fact, if your socks get a hole in them you can bring them back to be warrantied. Yes, I’m telling you that if you come in with a hole in these socks, you walk out of Broadway Shoe Repair with a brand new pair of socks. Wow, right?

But before you shop, let’s go back in time, shall we? It’s really neat to see the history and transformation of Broadway Shoe Repair and I was also curious to hear a little about this family-owned local business. I asked Manager, Emily about the history and future of my favourite shoe shop.

Isaac Mazur, owner of Nu-Way Shoe Repair

S&L: You've been Broadway Shoe Repair since 1983 & before that, there was another shoe repair business in the shop. That space has so much history! Does it have any secrets or interesting stories?

Emily: Before it was Broadway Shoe Repair, the shop was called Nu-Way Shoe Repair which was owned by Isaac Mazurik. It was run on the back porch of a house on 12th Street, then moved to 5 corners in 1949 where the Broadway Towers currently stand. In 1955, Isaac moved the business to 636 Broadway Avenue (now Hats & That). When Allan bought the business in 1983, he renamed it but remained at the previous location until 2000 when he moved next door to 638 Broadway Avenue for more space. The building was built in 1912 with an addition on the back in the 60’s. The basement is original and features some neat finds like a coal shoot – we once found the front of the coal burning furnace hidden away in the corner.

Painting of the 636 Broadway location done by Paul Jacoby.

S&L: I know a lot of your staff personally & beyond being knowledgeable, they are good humans. In a time of businesses not being able to find help at all, how the heck are you attracting SO MANY gems?!

Emily: The Broadway Shoe Repair has such a good vibe as soon as you walk into the store – I think that vibe can be felt by both customers and applicants. We’ve had many employees through the years that were first customers of the shop. I think the family-run, small business aspect of the store is always appealing to people as well. It feels good to come to work and work alongside the owner every day. Jeff is in the shop nearly every day helping, guiding and really running the business in a hands-on way.

He surrounds himself with people that he knows and trusts to help him in running the business. The long-term staff here are myself and his brother David, and we both deeply care about this business which I think comes across to new employees. Jeff is a strong believer in flexibility as an employer and he uses the age-old adage “treat others as you would like to be treated” as a model on how to treat his staff. That has had the trickle-down effect that I think helps the staff to feel appreciated and respected which is honestly so refreshing.

S&L:What do you think about when you're looking to bring new product into the shop?

Emily: When we are looking for new products or lines to bring into the shop we like to sit down and discuss the needs of our customers and of our community. We like to take suggestions of our customers into consideration when choosing new brands. For example, we had customers mention Muck Boots to us a few times, plus, I had heard of them from other moms at my kid’s school. I looked into them, and we decided they’d meet the need of the winter boot void we were trying to fill. We have such a large array of customers, with varying needs and wants. We are always trying to make sure our store has something for everyone. From farmer to parent to fashion forward consumer to the earth conscious consumer – we really want to make sure this store has an offering that meets the needs of every person who comes in.

Owner Jeff’s father, Alan, works on a pair of shoes

S&L: Looking ahead, is there anything you're excited about bringing in or a new demographic you hope to serve?

Emily: We are bringing in a new brand for the spring season called ART Footwear, it is the parent company for one of our existing brands, El Naturalista. It is a trendy and artsy brand, which will bring something new and exciting to add to our offerings and we can’t wait! We have also expanded our children’s selection in recent years and are looking forward to being a one stop shop for families.

Also, we're looking forward to our 40th anniversary this June and working on planning a celebration to commemorate 40 years since Allan bought the shop.

Thanks to Emily and the Broadway Shoe Repair team for being so generous with their time— I’m really into the history of our city and love to hear stories. I hope you enjoyed the read, too & that you’ll take advantage of the SNEAKS15 discount code until November 10.

xo Maygen