Coachella Valley's Only Master Shoe Repairman Opens Shop in Old Town La Quinta

British Cobbler Brings Precision and Skill to a Rarely-Found Trade

September 14, 2009

(La Quinta, CA) On Monday, September 14th, Old Town La Quinta's old-world charm will be enhanced even further as it welcomes True to Time Shoe Repair -- featuring the Valley's only master shoe repairman, Ian Platt.

Platt has been repairing shoes since age 11, under the direction of his father -- who opened the first True to Time Shoe Repair in Manchester, England, in 1954. Platt came to the desert in 1996, and has become a followed and well-respected shoe repairman since moving to the area.

"I've been in a variety of places including El Paseo, but I really like the vibe in Old Town La Quinta," said Platt.

In addition to shoe repair (and specializing in high-end shoes), True to Time will repair luggage, cut keys, refinish ladies handbags including replacing or repairing hardware, rebuild shoes and even custom design shoes or create orthopedic footwear.

"There's not many of us left doing this," added Platt. "It truly is rare trade. I can lower heels, stretch shoes, create your dream shoes, adjust shoes if you have one leg a little longer or shorter than the other -- I'm up for any challenge people might be having with footwear."

Old Town La Quinta welcomes this much-needed service to its mix of merchants. "In addition to its unique stores and dining establishments, Old Town offers a variety of convenient services -- from salon and spa treatments to dry cleaning and now shoe repair. We're so pleased to be able to provide such a broad spectrum of shops, restaurants and services," said Leslie Locken, property manager of Old Town La Quinta.

True to Time Shoe Repair will be open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 70-810 Main Street, Suite 104, in Old Town La Quinta (next to La Jolla Bank). Phone number: (760) 564-3535.