Michael's Shoe Repair: Despite Rising Rent, This Small Smith Street Business Staying Put

Great news! Michael Davidov of Michael's Shoe Repair Shop will be staying at its current location at 319 Smith Street after all.

Back in the spring, it seemed as though Davidov was going to be forced to close his shop. The
building housing his business was sold recently and the new landlord informed Davidov that he would increase the rent from $2,700 a month to $5,000 a month once the current lease expires in November '12.

Though it is a significant jump in rent for a small business like his, Davidov decided to sign a ten year lease and to stay put. After all, he has been a fixture on Smith Street between Union and President Streets here in Carroll Gardens for 19 years, ever since he took over an existing Shoe Repair store at Number 309 Smith Street. Nine years ago, he moved his business to 319 Smith Street on the same block.

During nearly two decades in the neighborhood, he has repaired countless shoes, zippers and bags for local residents. In 2007, he even made New York Magazine's Best Neighborhood Shoe Repair list.

I stopped by Michael's Shoe Repair Shop on Friday to tell Davidov how glad I was that he was staying in the neighborhood.  He smiled, obviously relieved that he had signed the new lease, even if it means his rent has gone up significantly.  "What can I do?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders.

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Another Long-Time Smith Street Business Forced Out Because Of Huge Rent Increase

Michael Davidov has been a fixture on Smith Street between Union and President Streets here in Carroll Gardens for 19 years, ever since he took over an existing Shoe Repair store at number 309 Smith Street. Nine years ago, he moved his business to 319 Smith Street, just a few storefronts away.

During nearly two decades on this one block, he has repaired countless shoes, zippers and bags for local residents. In 2007, he even made New York Magazine's Best Neighborhood Shoe Repair list.
Unfortunately, Davidov will most probably have to move very soon.. The building recently sold for $1,200,000, and the new landlord has informed Davidov that he will double the monthly rent.
Davidov's current $ 2,700 a month lease runs out in November '12, but he knows he won't be able to afford to stay at this location for $5,400.

In the meantime, he is trying to find a smaller storefront in the neighborhood, but does he doesn't seem very confident that he will find anything affordable.
Luckily, his son is safe at his own little shoe repair store, Joseph's, at 178 Smith Street.
If you know of a small, affordable, retail place in the neighborhood, stop by and tell Davidov about it. He would really appreciate it.

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