Jackson Jambalaya

Shine your own damn shoes!

That is good news.

Went to Youth Congress in the 10th grade (is that still a thing?) It was held in the State Capitol and while there, I had my shoes shined at the shoe shine station, just off the house floor. Still remember thinking how lucky (now understand it to be Privileged) those politicians were to have a place so close to their work station to get such things done.

We all know you get better laws when folks can walk 60 steps and get their shoes shined.

Wish him well in his new location.

Glad he is back - evidently the rental rates in NE Jackson are higher than downtown - a 40% increase in his charge!

Not complaining, it always cost me at least $10 before once I threw in a tip; generally if I had a ten just gave it to him.

Actually, no. He raised his prices two years ago. Has nothing to do with rent. Started using Saphir products. Best stuff out there for shoes and it cost a little bit more.

2:40: Used him for years. You can't begin to shine yours as well as he can.

I normally use Shinola, or is it Shit? I can never tell the difference.

I live in north ms and am super jealous. Dying art. Such a shame people don’t know what folks like him can do with an old pair of leather shoes.

2:40: Having served in the 1st Infantry Division for a few years back when a soldier had leather shoes rather than cloth, I know how to shine shoes. However, it gives me great pleasure to help a man with his business that is less fortunate than I am. And besides, as 6:25 said, this man can do a better job than I can. Whay the bitterness?

Don't tease him about his "shine box" or you will end up in Robert DeNiro's trunk. Capisce?

I wish I had a pair of shoes worth shining. Mine are all shot and I tear them up so fast it's depressing to keep buying.

However, this man might be able to get me excited again about shined shoes.

Damm y'all still wearing shoes, gave em up ten years ago for my Crocs. No judge or client has complained.

You probably are a crock if you care that little.

That's funny 714

Mr. Sam-U-El does a fine job. Have a copy of his card from when I worked in DGNB/AmSouth/Regions Plaza that I'd love to post, but it's at the office while I work from home.

MR. Sam is a bright spot in your day, even though he always claims that his day is better, "now that he has seen you." Best of luck Sam, we will miss you downtown!

He doesn't do shoe repair.

Hey KF,

How about a re-post of that article you did on shoe quality?

With Christmas approaching, I might treat myself to a new pair of shoes and you really had some good info in that post.

I moved out of town. I miss Sam. He'll do very well at Great Scott!

Ask, and ye shall receive. Check the post again, at the bottom.

2:40, you need to read Luke 16; 19-31 about Lazarus and the rich man.

In Starkville in the early 70's there was Jones Shoe Repair and Shine. There were probably 15 chairs along the wall and most were filled most of the time. Largest shine parlor I've ever been in.

Glad he is back, never understood how the professional shine was so much better than the home shine! But man, it is.

What is this "Great Scott?" Never heard of it.

1:39 - It's an exclamation often made when one reads a stupid question.

I don't get out much, but the number of Jackson Metro Area men I see (in photos) wearing dark suits and brown shoes makes me wonder if the 'shine man' is laughing under his breath.

Back when I was required to (or chose to) wear a suit or coat and tie, you NEVER wore brown shoes with a dark suit and you damned sure didn't wear tennis shoes.

But, times they have changed, yet egos have not.

@ 1:58 - OK, I get it - it's a secret and apparently you don't know either. Speaking of stupid, there's not much point in advertising if you're not gonna tell what/where it is.

@2:03 Brown shoes with a dark suit was good enough for the Duke of Windsor (of the eponymous Windsor knot).

It was against trend when he did it, but being an influencer who clearly knows all the rules about a subject gives you a chance to change the rules. Just like the clotheshorse who invented a more casual sans-tails formal jacket he debuted in Tuxedo Park, NY.

The duke changed rules...brown shoes for daytime, black only with suits for evening.

I'll be in Jackson in a couple of weeks and fully intend to take three pair of my dress shoes to Mr. Sam. They need his special care.

He is a true professional and a helluva good man!

@ 1:39pm It's a men's clothing store and barber shop in Jackson.

https://greatscott.net/

Actually, I hate this move. Wish him luck and hope it works out well for Mr. Sam.

Was a regular customer in the Deposit Guaranty (yes, I'm old school) Plaza building - both getting the pair I was wearing done and leaving others to pick up later. But - having to traverse through Great Scott to get to his stand isn't as appealing. Can't afford their prices for clothes so I don't shop there. But to get to Sam have to run the gauntlet of salespeople and their pitch.

Again, wish him well. And if there was a delivery/return process available I would probably use it to still do business with him, even though it would mean missing his interesting banter while he worked.

You don't have to traverse anything. He is in the lobby of the building with his old stand you so fondly remember.

However, if he is not there, you can drop off the shoes at Great Scott.