Bennetts Shoe Repairs was opened by Ted Bennett in this shop in 1956.So has been Southland icon for over 70 years.Ted was a master repairer and a great teacher of the trade.He trained many apprentices in this time and I was his last.Ted retired in 1996, and I purchased the shop off him.Not much has changed in the trade in 70 years.Only the use of more plastics in shoe construction in the late 80s and the closure of the majority of NZ footwear manufacturing, because of importing.This hasn't directly affected the trade,rather a “throw away society”was introduced.Yes the quality has decreased in lower end footwear, but the price reflects it.Your get what you pay for.Fashion has roughly a 17 year cycle in footwear.What was worn in early 90s is in again now with skinny heels and pointy toes,flat thin soles.Remember late 90s soles became thick and chunky. After 70 years in the original building in Tay street the dream opportunity came to buy a building in the CBD and the move has been amazing. Fresh new shop and great parking.