Mini Centro

If only the owner of this store resembled or behaved as nice as the sales man or owners in Italy. My mother and her friends bring this guy so much business, it was a complete surprise when she brought me there and he wouldn’t budge on sales tax or anything for that matter. Nothing! We were buying 3 pairs of the same shoe. My apologies for stereotyping but given the fact that they are in the neighborhood and even a place like Chuckies on Kings hwy as most of the stores in the neighborhood will give u a break, especially when you are spending a decent amount of money. This guy wont and doesn’t care too. It’s simple business. Everyone wants to feel a little special. All you have to do is give a little break, people will come back and bring their friends as word travels. He lost my sale. In addition, there are far better options in the city for the same prices with the same name brands, where it would be a pleasure for me to spend my money.

A few years ago I did a study abroad course in Florence, Italy. Beyond the food, sights and men. I also fell in love with the clothing. I have a slight addiction to accessories (shoes/​handbags especially) and found a company so heavenly it’s name should only be spoken softly (as not to cause a mass hysteria). The shoes were too die for (and so were the prices). I’m about 5’2 so I always looked for max height mixed in with max comfort in a shoe. Gianmarco Lorenzi was able to give it to me. I bought a pair of FIVE inch boots and 4 inch (gorgeous) sandals and they fit absolutely amazingly. The shoemaker is a genius who finds way to hide platforms under the sole (without looking bulky).
So what does this have to do with the Mini Centro shoe store? When I came back I went a little crazy searching all around NYC for Gianmarco Lorenzi shoes for about 8 months I asked in every high-​end boutique and could not find them. Finally I wrote an email to the company in Italy and after a couple of weeks got a reply back. To my absolute surprise the company had a contract to sell directly to only one store– MINI CENTRO, on my very own sheepshead bay rd. Once the initial shock and awe passed I went to the store and stepped into my shoe filled dream. The store carries a lot of italian name brand shoes that are directly from the boutiques of Italy. The shoes are pricey but surprisingly didn’t cost me any more than if I bought them in Europe.
Overall, this seems like my little secret, but today I am feeling kind enough to share. They have some more famous brands like Prada and Sonia Rykiel. but the true diamonds are the hard to find Italian brands. Ciao and enjoy!