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Business Owner Kicking Up Heels During Downturn

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: December 24, 2008

PORT RICHEY - John Hnilica has a lot of sole in his soul.

The owner of Ed's Shoe Repair keeps alive a 28-year-old family tradition started by his retired dad, whose first name still graces the sign for the Port Richey store. Hnilica is approaching his 20th anniversary next year of taking over the family business.

A third generation, Hnilica's sons Glenn and Stephen, is following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather. They have learned the almost lost art of shoe repair and work at the store. Hnilica's wife Edy also works in the store.

Socked by the recession, more and more people decide to repair their old shoes rather than tossing them and buying a cheap pair of new shoes, Hnilica says.

"We definitely have seen an uptick" during the economic downturn, Hnilica observed.

The shaky economy also has boosted business at Hnilica's Shoe Comfort retail shoe store, which shares space at the Ridge Road Center storefront at 6634 Ridge Road. He opened a second retail store in Spring Hill three years ago to boot.

"They don't know we sell shoes," Hnilica said about many customers surprised when they first walk into the independent store.

One man had gone through four pairs of work boots in short order before he discovered a sturdier brand of boots at Shoe Comfort.

Such customers have gained a greater appreciation for higher-quality specialty shoes like Shoe Comfort carries, Hnilica says. They figure the better brands will last much longer while providing much more comfort.

The store stocks some of the top models of brands such as Rockport, Hushpuppies, Red Wing boots, New Balance tennis shoes, Naot Sandals, diabetic shoes and much more. One brand, Spira, even has heavy-duty springs built right into the soles. Especially people with bad knees or spinal problems have raved about the extra lift.

In fact, the retail store delivers the bulk of revenue while repairs now represent about 27 percent of the business.

Customers discover Ed's Shoe Repair can fix sneakers and sandals in addition to dress shoes, as well as handbags, golf bags, zippers, luggage and many other items, Hnilica said.

With nearly three decades of experience, Hnilica's expertise shines through about footwear. He also passes along his knowledge to retail specialist Sean O'Donnell.

Hnilica even knows what that foot-measuring gadget is called - a Brannock. Many people tend to have one foot which might be a slightly different size, Hnilica pointed out. Also, feet tend to get longer as a person ages. A person weighing about 160 pounds often exerts about 4,600 pounds of pressure on shoes while walking. So a proper measurement is critical.

For the best match for customers, the store carries shoes in medium, wide, extra-wide and triple-wide lengths. Computerized records keep track of the shoe size and width for each customer.

When the shoe fits, wear it, in other words.

For more information call the store at 727-842-7693.

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