David’s Shoe and Watch Repair at 460 Hudson Street (at Barrow Street) is a 40+ year-old, beloved, independently owned neighborhood small business that’s a throwback to another time. The owner, Raphael “David” Davidson, an Uzbeki immigrant, knows his customers by name, offers services for free when the work doesn’t require much time, and is a jack of all trades, who, along with his son, will not only repair your shoes and watches, but also your clocks, jewelry, zippers, and leather goods. They’re even hoping to be able to cut your hair, if their plans for a barber station pan out.

But all of that may come to a crashing halt if a proposed 90% increase in the store’s rent goes through when the lease expires at the end of June. We’re spreading the word and working with friends and neighbors to try to get David’s landlord to reconsider and let David’s Shoe and Watch Repair stay.

TO HELP: