VIDEO: Lost Art of Shoe Repair Sees More Foot Traffic in Weak Economy

Business seems to be "stepping up" for  on East Main Road despite the dire economy.

"We're doing great," said Irving's owner Stuart Solup. "Business is great." 

Irving's, which will celebrate its 110th anniversary this year (35 of those years spent in Portsmouth) is located in the shopping plaza on East Main Road, along with and Dunkin' Donuts.

Within the past few months, three of the plaza's tenants (, and a tanning salon), have moved out, leaving a section vacant. This recent departure, however, does not seem to be affecting Irving's Shoes. 

"I've actually seen an increase in business," Solup says. 

According to Solup, who has owned the family-operated Irving's Shoes for the past 35 years, more customers are bringing their shoes in for repair than before. 

Customers are still purchasing new shoes, but he's seen an increase in the amount of shoe repair. Solup explains this new trend in the video featured above. 

Solup is one of the last cobblers in Rhode Island (believed to be the only one on Aquidneck Island) and a fourth-generation owner of the shoe store.