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Better Know a Frankford Business: Gene’s Shoe Repair

There aren’t many cobblers left these days, but Frankford Avenue is lucky enough to call one home. Gene’s Shoe Repair, located at 4846 Frankford Avenue, has been a fixture of our commercial corridor since the 1970s, when Gene Oliveti’s father, Lou, opened the shop. Lou immigrated to the United States from Italy in the 1920s, during the Great Depression, and settled right here in Frankford. Lou purchased the building that would house his, and his son’s, business from another cobbler he knew growing up in Europe.

Like some of the other artisans and craftsmen on Frankford Ave, such as Gil Pons of Gilbert’s Upholstery, Gene learned the craft from his father and eventually took over the shop. Gene has seen Frankford Avenue change over the last thirty plus years, and has seen familiar faces come and go, but all the while has loved being a part of the Frankford community. Gene has also seen the shoe repair industry shift during his time in the industry; techniques and products have improved, and Gene has made every effort to stay ahead of the curve. This is perhaps best reflected by the only form of advertising he engages in: word of mouth! And his clients come from all over Philadelphia – some even travel to Frankford from New Jersey! And they keep coming back, shoe after shoe.

Gene also makes a point of being a good business neighbor. He’s friends with all of the business owners around, and knows just how important it is for Frankford’s small business owners to work together.

But don’t just let us tell you about Gene and his services. Visit him for yourself from 8:30a to 5:00p Tuesday through Friday, or 8:30a to 2:00p on Saturday. Or if suddenly you can’t stop thinking about that pair of shoes you’ve been meaning to get fixed, give him a call at 215-831-1824.

 

Gene hard at work!