The Mile Square is known for its long-standing family businesses and Hoboken Girl is proud to support and feature many mom-and-pop shops that have held their own for so many years. One of the most well-known businesses in Hoboken is Giovanni D’Italia Shoe Repair {266 7th Street}. Don’t let the name of this charming, family-owned business fool you though, as the shop does so much more than simply repairs. Find out more about the behind the scenes workings at Giovanni’s shoe repair for any and all leather good and shoe needs. Here’s the backstory on Hoboken’s most well-known shoe repair shop:
The Backstory
Giovanni’s opened in the ’60s shortly after Vincente {the original owner} moved here from Calabria, Italy. He set up shop right on 7th + Garden and served the community as a cobbler. A few years later, Vincente sent for his son, Giovanni, in Italy and brought him over. Giovanni was only 15 years old when he came to Hoboken, but his drive was strong.
Back then, shoemakers were on every street corner, so Giovanni worked many jobs just to stay afloat. His determination and work ethic served him well, as his family’s business grew and grew. In 1983, when his father retired, Giovanni took over the booming business and made his name even more well-known in the area.
The family business became a huge success. What started as a shoe repair shop grew into a place for restoring, repairing, and customizing all leather goods. When it was time, Giovanni brought in his son, Vincent, to start working at the shop. He would travel from his home in Miami to work with his dad during the summers. Vincent finally moved to Hoboken just in time for the 50th anniversary of the business. Giovanni has since retired and moved back to Calabria and Vincent is proud to have taken over his family’s business.
{Tory Burch shoes before}
{Tory Burch shoes after}
Read More: An A-Z List of Local {Brick-and-Mortar} Hoboken Businesses to Support Every Day
Giovanni’s Today
So, let’s talk business. Giovanni’s specializes in shoes and handbags but can work any leather product. In fact, a majority of its work is repairing and restoring shoes. Vincent’s mission is to bring back the days where quality leather was well taken care of and appreciated. Investing in quality leather goods and shoes can be expensive, but when you care for them properly, they can last a lifetime.
Writer’s note: Many of the gals on Team HG are regulars at the shop and swears by its expertise. From the friendly, knowledgeable staff to the actual repairs, each experience at Giovanni’s has always been positive. The shop repairs the heels and soles of boots, restores leather, fixes broken heels, and even puts protective red soles on the bottom of Louboutins {the rubber soles make them easier to walk in, too!}. After the winter months, customers can bring their leather boots in for some maintenance, and trust, your feet will thank you later. Giovanni’s even fixes and restores handbags, zippers, and straps, and everything in between.
{Louboutin shoes before}
{Louboutin shoes after}
{Salvatore Ferragamo shoes before}
{Salvatore Ferragamo shoes after}
Even though the days where cobblers were needed to make shoes are long gone, Hoboken locals still rely on the craft and skill from places like Giovanni’s to get their shoes repaired. The shop is open 8:00 am to 7:30PM Monday through Saturday. Most repairs and restorations take about a week or so, but Vincent and his crew will give you a more specific timeline when you visit. Can’t make it to the store? Giovanni’s has a few drop off locations at local dry cleaners as well. Just drop off your items and they will be returned looking better than ever to that same location.
Have you been to Giovanni’s? Share your experience below!
See More: Where You Can Donate Clothing in Hoboken + Jersey City
