Buffed delivers a shoe shine with heart in Brisbane City
The centuries-old trade of the shoe shiner was a role originally taken to by young boys, often as their first step into the working world. There was once a time when a shoe shiner could be found on every corner, with entire parlours also dedicated to de-scuffing. These days to see a comfortable leather chair set up on a corner with tools of the trade lining the base and a smiley chap awaiting his next nickel would seem an odd sight.
Until now, that is. From the folks behind The Big Issue comes Buffed – a modern-day shoe-shining service. Started by the Wise Foundation here in Brisbane – with a Melbourne branch launching this week and Sydney next month – Buffed ensures the dapper foot upholstery of local gents is kept in tip-top shape, while also being a social business.
Creating opportunities for those whose employment outlook is limited, Buffed offers a way for recently arrived migrants, people with unstable health or those who lack the basic skills required for mainstream employment to sustain a job. Gents (and gentlewomen) can drop off their shoes for a polish or take a seat in the shoe-shining lounge for a speedy buff. Visit one of the below four locations for the special Buffed treatment.
Locations:
Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle Street
BOQ Centre, 259 Queen Street
Rio Tinto, 123 Albert Street
Eagle Street Pier (across from StellaRossa)