Lick it – keeps clicking.
For over four decades, David’s Shoe & Watch Repair Shop was a beloved fixture at the intersection of Hudson and Barrow in West Village, New York.
Throughout various challenges—gentrification, the COVID-19 pandemic, and soaring rents—owner Raphael “David” Davidson remained committed to serving his loyal clientele.
Or at least, that was the impression.
The shop, established in 1982 by Russian-speaking immigrants from Uzbekistan, weathered countless changes until the pandemic posed a serious threat to this family-run business.
“I was closed for six months and applied for a loan, but I couldn’t secure one since I work alone,” the 80-year-old shared. “My son and I run the business ourselves.”
Despite applying for the same assistance that many others sought, Davidson found that being a small operation made it difficult for him to gain support.
With monthly rent at $4,200 and diminishing income, his debt climbed to about $65,000. Eventually, he received only $1,500 in government aid.
A landlord, desperate to evict him just as business returned to normal, faced a judge who mandated a $5,000 temporary payment until the lease expired in June 2024.
The community reacted with sadness and disbelief when the historic shop closed. A GoFundMe campaign quickly gathered nearly 300 signatures and over $16,000 in donations.
For a moment, it seemed like a win. The nearby dry cleaner offered a small bit of space, hoping to preserve this neighborhood tradition.
Great idea, yet ultimately unfeasible, David thought.
“All my tools, all of my machines, everything was in the store. I couldn’t take anything,” he lamented. “I managed to grab a few tools for repairs, but the expensive machines stayed behind. We simply lacked the space.”
There was also the issue of his work environment—not suitable for someone his age.
“I’ve tried working at the dry cleaner, but they use harsh chemicals. I couldn’t handle it,” he admitted.
Unwilling to let go of his established clientele, David transitioned to a fully mobile operation earlier this year.
Now, every Sunday, you can find him at the corner of Hudson and Christopher, working out of his car.
Customers gather as he delivers services that many depend on.
“I’ve lost a lot of my regulars, but I still have some loyal clients who come by on Sundays,” he explained. “They trust my work, appreciate my prices, and value my service,” he said. “They’ve known me for years and keep me occupied.”
David Cohn, a longtime customer, finds David’s services essential. For nearly two decades, he has relied on him for watch and shoe repairs.
“He’s incredibly dependable,” Cohn noted. “And his son is just as kind and helpful.”
Both David and his tools remain in action, as evidenced by the multitude of clients he assists weekly.
A new GoFundMe initiative aims to support David in whatever comes next. “We want to ensure he and his wife have the backing they deserve,” wrote organizer Kate Depetro.
As of July 21, the campaign had received 2,000 donations, raising nearly $50,000 toward a $60,000 goal.
When Depetro revealed this information to David, he was understandably stunned.
“No way,” he said, his disbelief palpable.
Even without the fundraiser, David is committed to making the new arrangement work. “I don’t want to quit my job,” he insisted.
“My Social Security is minimal, and without my work, it wouldn’t be enough,” he shared. “My wife and I are retired; our kids are grown and gone. I don’t earn a lot, but staying busy with this helps cover the rent.”
David can be found every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. at the corner of Hudson and Christopher.
