Metro Shoe Mart

Metro Shoe Mart is right at No. 16 American Mission Church Street, very close to the Periyar Stand. It’s a loud area because of all the buses coming and going. We have been selling shoes here for a long time. The shop isn't huge, but we cram a lot of stuff onto the shelves. You might find some dust on the boxes at the top because they are hard to reach. We see all kinds of people here, from students looking for cheap sandals to office workers needing something sturdy. We don't use any high-tech systems. We just remember where the pairs are kept. Sometimes the fans squeak, but you get used to it. The street outside is always busy with people rushing to catch their bus. We keep the doors open so people can see what we have. It gets a bit hot in the afternoons, but that’s just how it is. We try to be helpful, even if we are busy. We don't have any big advertisements. People just know we are here because of the location. We’ve seen the neighborhood change quite a bit over the years. The church nearby is a good landmark if you’re looking for us. We just sell shoes and try to make a living. It’s a simple business and we like it that way. We keep a bucket of water near the door for stray dogs when it gets really hot, and sometimes the local tea guy stops by to chat.