Payam Tajabadi
GOLD STOP SHOES & REPAIR: A Family Trade Story by Sarah Gordon
Photos by Carolynne Palla
Gold Stop Shoes & Repair is the new name for this Dunbar mainstay business where customers can continue to count on expert repairs from shop owner Payam Tajabadi and his uncle Reza Jamshidian. The business has been located on Dunbar Street for more than 40 years and has changed locations and ownership several times, yet the demand for a skilled cobbler to mend one’s favourite pair of shoes has stayed constant. Reza has worked in the industry for more than 30 years and was employed at the shop before his nephew purchased it. In addition, he owns several other shoe repair stores in Vancouver. He and Payam have been working together since 2015. 18
Reza and Payam continue the tradition of old-world workmanship. Payam moved to Canada from Iran in 2010. He says, “My uncle encouraged me to pursue this career. I learned the trade in Iran 15 years ago. The only way to learn this trade is on the job. I have been working in the industry ever since. My dream to own my own business came true when I took over this store in 2019.” “I chose to change the name of the store from Gold Star Shoe Rebuilders to Gold Stop Shoes & Repair to mark this milestone in my life as a new business owner.”
February 15 - April 15, 2022
www.DunbarLife.com
