February 18, 2015 — DNA Info reports that an 83-year-old Midtown Manhattan show repair business "fought its landlord and won." The report details the Bickel & Brewer Storefront's efforts to save Jim's Shoe Repair — a family-owned shop that was being forced out of its 59th Street location to make room for a Duane Reade.
In September 2012, Jim's learned that its lease was not being renewed to make room for the chain pharmacy. That's when William Brewer, a Jim's customer, offered to fight the eviction in court through his firm's community service affiliate, the Bickel & Brewer Storefront.
The Storefront filed suit and put together a petition, gaining thousands of signatures from loyal customers. Ultimately, the landlord, SL Green, and Duane Reade settled the case. Jim's signed a new nine-year lease.
“Jim’s is a business that embodies the American Dream,” said Brewer. “The victory today is for all those who value family-owned businesses in the country. They represent a time when the fabric of our communities were tied to family values.”
Read the full article here.