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A Syracuse Shoe Repair Store Aims to Help CNY Residents at a Low Cost A Syracuse Shoe Repair Store Aims to Help CNY Residents

By Alexis Raleigh

A LOCAL STORE OWNER IS MAKING SURE THAT EVERYONE IN THE CNY AREA IS CARED FOR WITH HIS LOW PRICES AND ACCOMMODATIONS.
N-C-C NEWS REPORTER ALEXIS RALEIGH TELLS US HOW THE DISCOUNT SHOE REPAIR OWNER IS HELPING THOSE IN NEED DURING THESE TOUGH TIMES.

RALPH ROTELLA HAS OWNED HIS SHOE STORE FOR OVER 30 YEARS AND HELPED MANY PEOPLE WHO CAN’T AFFORD HIGHER END PRICES ELSEWHERE.
CUSTOMERS NEGOTIATE PRICES FOR SHOES AND OTHER APPAREL EVEN IF IT HURTS PROFITS.

Rotella says, “I work for myself you know, I’m a one-man guy, if I make five dollars its better than nothing, because things are tough for everybody. I try to help everybody.”

EVEN THOUGH TIMES HAVE BEEN BUSY FOR ROTELLA HE SAYS HE TRIES TO FIND THE BEST BARGAIN FOR HIMSELF WHEN HE SHOPS AS WELL.

Rotella says, “Even when I go someplace now, I try to get the best price I can.”

ROTELLA IS ABLE TO CUT PRICES BECAUSE OF HIS LOW OVERHEADS.
ONE OF HIS HELPERS IS A VOLUNTEER.
MARY CUSANO HAS BEEN HELPING ROTELLA FOR OVER FIVE YEARS, ESPECIALLY DURING HIS BUSY SEASONS.

Cusano says, “You’re helping somebody you know; you see people with shoes that are like omg how do they wear them; you know they’re rough they’re not even fit to wear because they can fall apart.”

CUSANO SAYS SHE ENJOYS SPENDING HER TIME AT THE STORE, AS IT GIVES HER SOMETHING TO DO.

Cusano says, “Yeah, to help out even if I don’t get paid, at least I’m doing something, I’m not sitting home.”

AND NEITHER IS ROTELLA.
MOVING FORWARD ROTELLA PLANS TO CONTINUE TO HELP THOSE IN NEED DURING THESE ECONOMIC STRUGGLES.

ALEXIS RALEIGH….N-C-C NEWS

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – A local shoe store owner is making sure all CNY residents are accommodated during these economic struggles.

Ralph Rotella, the owner of Discount Shoe Repair aims to help those who are struggling financially during the winter season.

Ralph Rotella: I don’t want people to go without, I make sure everyone who comes in is taken care of.

Rotella says that he is willing to negotiate prices to help those who are purchasing shoes, coats, jackets, belts and more in his store.

Ralph Rotella: I work for myself you know, I’m a one-man guy, if I make $5 it’s better than nothing because things are tough for everybody. I try to help everybody.

Rotella also has volunteers who help him keep his store afloat such as Mary Cusano.

Cusano has been volunteering for Rotella for over five years and loves every minute of it. Cusano enjoys the feeling of helping others, especially when they need it the most. 

Mary Cusano: You’re helping somebody you know; you see people with shoes that are like omg how do they wear them; you know they’re rough they’re not even fit to wear because they can fall apart.

Even though Cusano spends her time at other volunteer locations she said she loves working with Rotella the most, as she always stays busy.

Mary Cusano: I like to be here at the store and yeah, to help out even if I don’t get paid, at least I’m doing something, I’m not sitting home.

For Rotella’s services, you can visit the Discount Shoe Repair store at 114 E. Washington St. in Syracuse, NY.

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