Cliff's Shoe Shine

By Mariel Waloff
Add Comment Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 13, 2009

Jerry and Cliff Burrell Jr. practice the art of "footwear maintenance engineering" at their shoebox-sized shop on 40th Street in West Philadelphia. They're carrying on a legacy begun by the original Cliff Burrell nearly 70 years ago. 

Throughout the years they've seen the faces in the neighborhood change, but they've continued working as a family and providing the high quality shoe repair and shining services they grew up with. The shop has drawn its fair share of celebrities in the years it's been around: Michael Nutter, Bill Cosby, Terrence Howard and Sonny Hill are just a few that Cliff Jr. could recite off the top of his head. 

What keeps customers coming? Cliff Jr. attributes the shop's success to the secret shining formula his grandfather concocted years ago. "You won't need to come back for a year!" he exclaims.  

Additionally, the economy's implosion has actually been good for business. More people are deciding to fix their old shoes instead of splurging on a new pair. Of course, the laidback and familial atmosphere are definitely a draw.

Whatever it is, this photographer's clogs have never been shinier.

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