A leather goods shop that’s been in business since 1968, currently in the University City Loop, has signed a lease for 7312 Manchester Road, most recently the location of EFS Energy.
Sole Survivor Leather sells belts, purses, journals, satchels, slippers and more—all handmade. They also carry Birkenstock sandals, which is appropriate for the spot that housed Dreamland Shoe Store for more than 50 years.
Sole Survivor owner Steve Rye said he likes the concentration of quality shops on Manchester Road in Maplewood.
He said he saw the ‘for lease’ sign the evening it went up and called the next morning. He was aware of six to 10 others who were interested in the space, he said.
This isn’t the first time Rye thought about a shop in Maplewood. He said he looked at 7192 Manchester Avenue, where Bee Naturals opened in December, about 25 years ago. He said the rent was $75 a month at the time, and wasn’t sure he could make enough to cover it.
Good luck to them. I love that the real estate in Maplewood doesn’t stay vacant for long.