Family-run shoe repair shop celebrates 30 years in Harborough

Kailash Chavda, 58, comes from a family of shoemakers, with his father creating high-end shoes in Zanzibar in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

​This is how Kailash got into the business. When he came to England and settled in Market Harborough, it was his mission to open his own company.

Kailash explained: “I always wanted to diversify from shoemaking into shoe repairing.”

​Anand Shoes, on the High Street, had been a teddy bear shop years before - and the business still sells Steiff bears as a nod to its history. They also stock leather goods and offer engraving and key cutting services.

​Kailash’s son, Rajan, said: “People think it’s a weird mix. Why do we sell boots, shoes, and teddy bears? But there’s a story, a history behind the actual building.”

The shop opened on June 25, 1996, and when asked if he expected to be open for 30 years, Kailash said: “I was very confident it was going to last. Not just 30 - it’s going to go a lot longer, 60 years, because I am that confident.”

​A decade ago, Rajan joined the team, helping to modernise and grow the business.

​The 29-year-old explained: “We’re still expanding. We’re doing country shows and fairs, and making the shop mobile as little pop-up shops, so more people find us.

“What’s very unique about us is the repairs, and through people knowing us, they trust us.

“It’s quality. It’s longevity. There’s trust in it, especially in the time of social media and AI.”

But like with any self-made business, things haven’t always been easy.

Kailash said: “It’s been a little bit of a roller coaster, and I had some years which were very stressful, but hard work does pay off.”

The shop is inviting customers and people from the town for its belated 30th anniversary celebration on September 17 from 4pm, with fizz and nibbles.

Rajan said: “We’re very proud of all the achievements dad’s done, and we’re proud of the progress that we’re making now together.”