4 minute read
GOLD STOP SHOES & REPAIR
A Family Trade
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.
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.”
Payam recommends purchasing quality shoes with leather bottoms and good heels and to get them to put on rubber soles to extend the shoe’s longevity. Gold Stop also specializes in colour restoration. With proper maintenance and a few simple steps such as basic cleaning, conditioning (with special lotions or creams), shining and waterproofing, your footwear will last you for many years.
The store is known for its climbing and hiking boot repairs.
Gold Stop goes the extra mile with their specialized refurbishing of heavy-duty footwear. Behind the scenes, the cobblers work with a factory-style press which few repair shops invest in. Regular boots and shoes are also mended, along with leather jackets, belts, and purses. The shop also offers knife and scissor sharpening services.
In addition to shoe repairs, Gold Stop also sells new shoes. NAOT is a well-known brand from Israel. Crafted by hand through the combined efforts of people from different cultures and backgrounds, NAOT’s shoes are ethically made using sustainable methods from fine leather; this brand stands out for its quality, fashion, and comfort.
Manitobah Mukluks is a company rooted in Indigenous culture with a vision to build a brand that makes a significant impact in Indigenous communities. A mukluk is reputed to be one of the warmest winter boots. As well, the company makes beautiful indoor and outdoor beaded moccasins.
Direct from the land down under, Redback Boots are 100% Australian made. The company has been in business since 1925; the same family has operated the business for five generations. Their durable pull-on leather boots are lightweight, flexible, and durable and are built to tackle our Canadian terrain.
Laurentian Chief sheepskin slippers will keep your feet toasty on cold days.
Josef Seibel/Romika boots are known for being both fashionable and comfortable. Dating back to 1897, German company Josef Seibel has a long history of producing durable footwear.
Merrell training and hiking runners are designed to rigorously endure the great outdoors which is perfect for our location where great hikes are only a stone’s throw away. They are equally suited for a walkthrough Pacific Spirit Park.
The shop also carries Canadian-made leather wallets and handbags, speciality socks, laces insoles, shoe care products and more.
Payam is busy in all areas of the shop; he manages, orders and of course repairs shoes. The nephew and uncle team get satisfaction from giving shoes a new lease on life. Their hard work pays off when happy customers say, “Wow! I am really amazed by the work you have done.”
Gold Stop Shoes & Repair 3308 Dunbar Street Vancouver BC V6S 2C1 Telephone 604-734-7477