UK Cypriot shoe repairers KOKOS, based in East Finchley since 1976, were recently selected by the Financial Times as one of ‘The World’s Best Repair Shops’ in an article focussing on sustainability and the importance of repairing your much-loved items instead of throwing them away and buying new.
The article reads: “This Finchley shoe repair shop was started by a Greek family in the 1970s. Clients have been bringing their well-loved and battered shoes here for years to give them a new lease of life, putting trust in Kokos’ traditional rigour as well as its flashes of innovation, from tooled leather toes to coloured rubber soles. The workshop was among the first to bring fine Italian shoes to London. Later, it became the authorised footwear repairer for Church’s. Workmen wear battered leather aprons and display their finished brogues and boots on mahogany shelves.”
KOKOS was established in 1976, initially trading as a bespoke shoe repairing service in East Finchley in north London on a site that had previously been established as a shoe repair shop for approximately 52 years.
Their master craftsmen’s specialist skills in restoring customers’ battered but much loved shoes back to their original condition soon won them recognition and very loyal customers, including celebrities and leading public figures.
Two years later in 1978, KOKOS filled a gap in the shoe market by being one of the earliest independent shoe retailers to source exclusive designer ladies’ and men’s shoes, boots, bags and accessories from Italy. Word of mouth ensured that a faithful band of KOKOS customers came from all over London to buy exquisite shoes and accessories and to have their footwear restored by their craftsmen, some even sending their shoes to be repaired by post.
The bespoke shoe repairing service went from strength to strength, expanding into repairing footwear for many leading brands; in fact, KOKOS is proud to be the authorised footwear repairer for Church’s shoes and a member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
Today, KOKOS is still a family run footwear retail and bespoke footwear repair business. They are passionate about shoes and with their background in shoe construction and expert knowledge of leather, they pride themselves on offering their discerning female and male customers stylish, comfortable, quality, designer footwear, beautiful handbags and original accessories from Italy, France, Spain and of course England. When you combine this with their shoe repairs of distinction and premium customer care, you’ll be coming back for more.
KOKOS are located at 72-74 High Road, London N2 9PN; www.kokos.co.uk