There was a time – seems long ago now – when we had to run down to Boulder to get our hiking boots repaired. Or if we wanted to buy a new pair of shoes without waiting around for an online order to be delivered.
And then George & Rebekah Perry made the amazing and wonderful move from Boulder to what was once a hair salon in Nederland. George Perry recounts the move this way: “I do not believe there is another business like us up here! When we were in Boulder we were always busy, seven full-time employees and now we only have one.
“We’ve slowed quite a bit moving our business up here. But serving Nederland versus Boulder is an entirely different experience. We feel our customer base up here really values and appreciates us – quality customers over quantity is a really fulfilling way to live.”
Asked what is the favorite part of his job, Perry responds, “Serving a small community that appreciates a dying art.… Because of technology, we as a society have become primed for instant gratification which is almost impossible to keep up with. You can order any shoe in the world delivered to your step in two days and return for free. We are very fortunate that we work in this town where people are always wearing out their hiking boots and are still conscientious about repairing the ol’ faves.”
The shop, now located at 114 E 2nd Street, has actually been in business for 100 years, and is now on its fourth generation of ownership and operation. Perry reminisces: “When my grandfather opened the shop, he had booths for people to sit in where they could hide their feet. It was considered inappropriate to show your bare feet (we have a picture of this in our shop).
“It’s been fun to see how things change over time. I also remember that when my dad owned the shop, he was asked to try out a new sole company to see how they would hold up on hiking boots. Come to find out decades later this company called Vibram is the leading sole manufacturer for hiking boots.”
The shop carries more than shoes and boots, of course. They feature “shoe, boot, jacket repair and leather, socks, hiking boots, sheepskin slippers, moccasins, motorcycle gear, leather goods retail, antiques and more!”
He continues, “Becky and I have been running this shop together for over 40 years. We often argue who started working here first. We raised our three children to work in this shop, starting with dusting shoe polish cans and working their way up to shoe repair and sales. Emily, our youngest, still does our bookkeeping for us.”
Looking into the future, Perry admits that he’s unsure what the future holds, “but we are enjoying every day knowing the beautiful people that live in this community…. After 100 years, I think we are looking into retirement age. Anyone looking to buy a shoe repair shop?” (The last is said with a grin.)
Nederland hopes the family, and the shop, is here for another 100 years.
You can reach Perry’s Shoe Shop at 303-443-4580, or check them out at www.perrysshoe.com.
Sponsored by the Town of Nederland, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
