Saad’s Shoe Repair, one of the first businesses to move into the NorthTown Mall, is moving out.

Current owner Larry Alfano said he's relocating the shoe business to the nearby Northtown Office Building at 4407 N. Division St.

Saad's has been in the mall since it opened its doors in 1956.

He said the move will be more convenient for store employees and customers. It's prompted by major renovations being planned by the mall owners.

“We’ll have more and easier parking in the new space. And since we’ll leave the mall, we won’t need to stay open until 9 p.m.,” he said.

He took over the business in 1985 from the Saad family. The new store will open July 1.

“I’m a little scared. We had to close our downtown store last year due to the deaths of two employees. Now we’re moving from a spot we’ve been in for decades,” he said.

“But I think it will work out,” he added.

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