Al Nola Shuts Its Doors After 50+ Years

“If the shoe fits, repair it!”

Every time I entered their store, I was overwhelmed by the rows and rows of shoes lining the walls in their store…all waiting to be fixed and brought back to life. I’ve relied on Al Nola to tighten a strap, fix a heel, or stretch a pump for years. They made buying expensive shoes worth it because I could always pop in to give them a tune up when needed. They’ve been at their Shaker location for 54 years! Inside my head, I’m sort of screaming, “Nooooooo, don’t gooooo!”

Their craftsmanship was exceptional and rare. They carried on a long lost art that is hard to find these days. These days, when something is old or in need of repair, we simply purchase a new one. Al Nola believed in refurbishing and repairing. As it says on his website, “If the shoe fits, repair it.”

“Al Nola could fix ANYTHING,” said long-time Shaker resident (and my mom) Darlene Leahy. “He was such a sweet man. I’ve been taking my family’s shoes there for 40 years. I remember they fixed my sons’ snowpants zippers..oh, like 30 years ago. It’s such a loss for the neighborhood.”

Nola will close their business on Chagrin Blvd in July 22 and move it to 9224 Darrow Road in Twinsburg, where he’s planning an Aug. 1 opening.  It’s only 13 miles away and will be worth the trip but us Shaker folks sure will miss you. Lucky folks in Twinsburg!

Al Nola, we are so sad to see you go!


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Author: Heather Zachariah

Former Art Director for Home Magazine, Heather Leahy Zachariah, left her career in publishing after baby number number one. She now works from home as a freelance graphic designer and a chauffeur to her 3 busy kids. "Working on TipsFromTown has been a wonderful outlet for me. It renewed my love of publishing where I can design colorful, enticing pages online and allows me to share the things I love about being a mom." Heather grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, a place that still is near and dear to her. " After living in Brooklyn for 18 years and studying Graphic Design at Pratt Institute, she now lives in the Jersey burbs. "I love living so close to NYC, but in my heart, I'm an Ohio girl."