Thinking of Buying a Shoe Repair Business in Australia? Here Are 3 Vital Questions to Ask
The Australian clothing and footwear repair industry — which includes shoe repair businesses — is valued at $347 million in 2025, employing around 3,068 people across 763 enterprises.
Profit margins average 5.5%, generating roughly $19 million in annual profit, with industry revenue forecast to grow at 1.9% annually through 2031, reaching approximately $382 million.
Growth is being supported by sustainability trends, the slow-fashion movement, and the rising popularity of upcycling and local repair services. However, competition from fast fashion, online retail, and large franchises like Mister Minit and LookSmart Alterations continues to pressure smaller independent operators.
1. Is the Business Financially Sustainable and Profitable?
Why It Matters:
Shoe repair is a labour-intensive trade, and profitability depends on efficiency, repeat customers, and diversification into complementary services such as key cutting or engraving.
What to Check:
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Revenue and margins – Benchmark against the 5.5% industry average, noting that established franchises like Mister Minit achieve higher margins through scale and brand strength.
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Cost structure – Wages account for roughly 51% of total revenue, making skilled labour a key cost driver. Material purchases such as rubber, leather, glue, and replacement parts are relatively low but affected by import prices.
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Customer retention – Regular repair clients, loyalty programs, and convenient locations (e.g. shopping centres) are crucial for cash flow stability.
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Service diversity – Shoe repair businesses offering engraving, key cutting, or watch battery replacement enjoy stronger resilience to market fluctuations.
2. How Competitive Is the Business’s Market Position?
Why It Matters:
The market is fragmented, with most operators being small, owner-run stores. Large chains like Mister Minit (15.3% market share) and LookSmart Alterations (14.1%) dominate prime retail spaces.
What to Check:
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Brand and reputation – Word-of-mouth remains a primary driver of business in local markets. Consistent quality and reliability are essential for repeat trade.
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Local competition – Most shoe repairers are located in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, where population density drives demand.
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Franchise vs independent – Franchisees gain marketing support and foot traffic but sacrifice autonomy and share profits through fees. Independent stores compete through personal service and pricing flexibility.
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Technology use – While the industry is low-tech, modern POS systems, online booking, and customer review platforms are improving efficiency and visibility.
3. Is the Business Aligned with Industry Trends and Future Growth?
Why It Matters:
The resurgence of sustainable and circular fashion is revitalising interest in repairs. Consumers are increasingly conscious of waste reduction, providing long-term growth potential for shoe repair businesses.
What to Check:
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Sustainability positioning – Aligning with slow-fashion and upcycling trends can attract eco-conscious customers seeking alternatives to fast fashion.
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Partnerships – Collaborations with fashion retailers, cobbler collectives, or eco-friendly brands can help reach broader audiences.
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Digital marketing – Strong Google listings, social media visibility, and online appointment options are key to capturing modern consumers.
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Industry resilience – As economic conditions fluctuate, demand for affordable repair services tends to increase, offering recession-resistant income streams.
Ready to Invest in a Thriving Shoe Repair Business?
With rising sustainability awareness and consumers seeking quality over quantity, Australia’s shoe repair industry is regaining relevance.
Success depends on craftsmanship, local reputation, and diversification into complementary services that add convenience and long-term customer value.
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