One of Downtown's longest-standing businesses, Gus & Co. shoe and luggage repair, has moved to a new storefront.
But, don't worry. It's only three blocks from its previous address.
Established in 1904 by Gus Felos, the shop has for more than a century been a landmark and gathering place for local government officials and members of the legal and business communities.
Gregory Vaccaro, a third-generation cobbler, bought the business in June 2003 from Felos' descendants. He moved the shop from the Elks Building along Laura Street one block north to a space near Hemming Plaza.
The new location at 228 W. Adams St. has a view of the Duval County Courthouse two blocks away.
"We're just around the corner from where we were. I think this is a great location," he said.
Though the new shop is the same size as the Laura Street store, the open layout is more of a showroom space. Vaccaro said he's the only Downtown retailer selling Stacy Adams shoes and accessories and there's a display of Vaccaro's own line of custom-designed leather briefcases and bags.
The store offers dry cleaning and alterations in addition to shoe and luggage repair.
"We're an authorized dealer and repair center for Samsonite, Hartmann and Travelpro," said Vaccaro. "We have customers who come here from Georgia and we do a lot of tack repair for clients in Ocala."
Attorney Kevin Jakab went to the Laura Street location Wednesday and discovered the shop had relocated over the weekend.
He walked three blocks to the new address and was in and out of the chair in five minutes. Jakab said he's had his shoes shined at Gus & Co. for the past 12 years.
"Gus could move to under the Main Street Bridge and we'd find them. Downtown folks find their people," he said.
Gus & Co. is open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
(904) 356-2466