Repair if you Care - Saving Shoes from Landfill

‘Repair if You Care’

Saving Shoes from Landfill

Over 110 million pairs of shoes are imported annually into Australia, and this is forecast to grow at over 5% per annum equating to over 135 million pairs in 2030.

Many of these shoes end up in landfill. Those made of natural materials may take 25 to 40 years to decompose whilst other materials can take over 1000 years.

Repair and Restore

Getting one’s shoes repaired is a sustainable practice that significantly reduces waste and extends the lifespan of footwear, promoting a more circular economy.

An International Perspective

France has introduced a scheme that subsidises repairs to clothing and shoes to cut waste and planet heating pollution. The Secretary of State Berangere Couillard said in relation to the initiative that

‘It could encourage exactly the people who have bought, for example, shoes from a brand that makes good-quality shoes or likewise good-quality ready to wear to want to have them fixed instead of getting rid of them’.

Mister Minit – CEO Message

Maria Walton CEO of Mister Minit says “We are biggest shoe repairer in Australia and New Zealand with 341 shops.  The Mister Minit brand has a long heritage going back to 1957 and will be celebrating 70 years in 2027.

Here’s the heart of it: Australia tosses millions of shoes into landfill each year, yet 87% of Australians haven’t had a shoe repair in the last two years. That’s a huge environmental opportunity.  As the largest shoe repairer, Mister Minit is uniquely positioned to change habits for the good”.

‘Repair if You Care’

We believe it’s time for change. By offering 1,000 free shoe repairs this November, we want to spark a nationwide movement towards circularity. When people choose repair, they’re choosing sustainability and supporting local communities. Mister Minit is proud to lead by encouraging everyone to keep their favourite shoes in service—and out of landfill.

To encourage the uptake of shoe repairs, Mister Minit will provide 1,000 FREE Shoe Repairs* in November. This will be based on names drawn from entries via a QR Code in shops and on the website submitted through November.

Additionally, during November, the company will complete half-price repairs on any 2^nd pair of shoes that come in at the same time as the original repair.

Through these actions, Mister Minit is seeking to promote the repair of shoes with the ecological, societal and cost benefits this provides.

* Shoe Repairs consist of heel and sole replacements and other shoe Repairs.

*Half-priced repairs are on the lower value of the two repairs.

Final Word

Having one’s shoes repaired extends the lifespan of footwear and is a sustainable practice that reduces waste and conserves resources.

Mister Minit is the biggest player in the shoe repair industry and through its ‘Repair if You Care’ Initiative is seeking to encourage more people to get their shoes repaired as an alternative to putting them into landfill.

‘Repair if You Care’