TRURO - There is a changing trend afoot where some consumers are opting to repair instead of replace well-worn items.
Some professional trades people in Truro are noticing a spike in business such as those who repair vehicles, clothing and shoes.
"I wear these all the time," said Truro resident Amy Seeton while dropping off her favourite high-heeled boots at Main Street Shoe Repair in Bible Hill for repairs.
"They are already broke in so they are comfortable, and I didn't want to break in new ones."
She also considered how much she would save by spending about $8.50 to have the heel grips replaced. New boots would cost her more than $40 to purchase.
Jim Wareham, owner of the shoe repair shop, said there has been a noticeable increase in new customers in recent months to a point where he can barely keep up with the demand for service.
"In the last year it's been crazy busy," he said. "Business has really stepped up."
Wareham said in these tough economic times people are beginning to realize they have to change their purchasing behaviours to save money.
"It's a throw away society," said Wareham. "But this year, in particular, it seems that people want repairs."
He said a number of unusual items have been brought to his shop lately from car covers and boat sails, to trampolines and even rubber boots.
Automotive technicians are also noticing more business during a normally slow time of year as people are now considering vehicle maintenance a priority.
Rod Lynk, owner of Rod Lynk's Auto Clinic and Carline Exhaust Centre in Bible Hill, said the type of repair services are varied depending on what the vehicle requires. But a number of customers are approving extensive work to engines, transmissions and rear-ends which is unusual for January and February.
"People are putting their cars at a higher priority, just like keeping a roof over their head," said Lynk. "They were so easy to get, people were driving them until they quit and would just go get another."
Local tailors are also seeing a change in the type of garments customers are dropping off.
"A lot of people are bringing things in for alterations," said Jian Wong, owner of Wong's Tailor Shop in Truro.
This time of year customers would usually bring in new items to have alterations done before they are worn but an increasing number of arrivals are older items needing some attention.
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