Brianna HarrisonA friend of mine had her favorite designer bag sent in for repairs, only to get it back with the same scratches and a zipper that looked like it came from a dollar store—ouch!
That’s when we realized how important it is to find a trusted and skilled bag repair shop. Not only does fixing your bags save the planet (yay for sustainability!), but it also keeps your favorite accessories looking fabulous.
After tons of research, we’ve found the absolute best bag repair spots in Toronto. Whether it’s scuffs, broken zippers, or frayed straps, these places will have your bag looking like you just bought them!
How much does it cost to get a bag repaired in Toronto?
In Toronto, basic bag repairs like fixing a zipper or strap usually range from $20 to $50. More complex jobs, such as restoring leather or replacing hardware, can go up to $100 or more.
For designer bags or luxury items, the cost might be higher, especially if specialized parts or materials are required.
1. First Aid for Leather by Sandalman
Cory Bernatt, the man behind First Aid for Leather, has been saving bags since 1982.
One of his shop’s specialties is relining leather, so if your purse’s lining is looking a little worse for wear, they can give it a fresh start.
They’re also experts at hardware repair such as buckles, handles, zippers, or metal components. And we like that they won’t cheap out on materials; they use only high-quality parts and can make special orders if necessary for a perfect match.
A deep conditioning treatment is available as well if your leather is looking dry and faded. They use liquid oils and pastes to make your leather look supple and shiny again.
Note that their leather crafting skills come at a price, so be prepared.
Only place in the city I’ll ever bring my leather goods to!
“I had such a great experience getting my vintage 70s bag refurbished! Corey, one of the owners, was such a pleasant person to work with! We had a very thorough 1-on-1 consultation where I learned a lot about leather and the process as well as a breakdown of all the fun changes I could make to my bag! I felt very involved, as he would regularly make checks up with me via phone call to ensure I was happy with the changes/customizations! I’m so so soooo happy with how this super cool authentic retro bag came back to life! This place is the only place in the city I’ll ever bring my leather goods to!”
Imani Ashanti, Google Review
Created a new liner made of leather much nicer than the original
“I had an excellent experience bringing an old leather bag in for repair. The liner was torn in a number of places and needed replacing. Cory was able to create a beautiful new custom liner made of leather – much nicer than the original cloth liner. His attention to detail was top notch – he replicated and expanded the pockets of the original liner, and even moved over a patch that had been sewn in.”
James Knowles, Google Review
2. Love Your Leather
Love Your Leather has been providing repair and cleaning services for over 30 years. While their name might suggest that they only handle leather, they’re actually experts in repairing satin and suede bags too.
To give you an idea of what you’ll be in for, simply call their leather care professionals or fill out an online form for a quote.
Once you decide to continue, they can go about restoring your bag. Their team can easily fix fabric tears and lining issues, and they even have a wide selection of buckles and zippers specifically for designer handbags.
Purse re-dying and stain removal services are offered as well. They can color-match and restore faded or stained leather bags to their original glory.
Unfortunately, it seems not all of their repairs are successful—some customers told us about less-than-perfect results.
Quick turnaround for leather repair
“Quick turnaround for leather repair and excellent customer service! Amazing leather work, bit costly than I thought it’d be but cheaper than buying a brand new pouch. They were able to repair and put in a new leather tab for my LV pouch. Excellent work hope this holds for a long time.”
Janice H, Google Review
Workmanship, care, and attention to detail was exceptional
“My very special vintage Fendi bag had a clasp that was worn and did not secure the bag for my personal items. I contacted Love Your Leather about the repair/replacement and they were extremely knowledgeable, professional and courteous. They had their courier pick up the bag free of charge, repaired it and couriered it back to me within a short period of time. The workmanship, care and attention to detail was exceptional. I am beyond grateful and happy that I will be able to use my precious bag again. Thank you to the staff at Love Your Leather! Your Company deserves 10 stars. 👍👍”
Barb P, Google Review
3. Kaner’s
Family-owned and operated since 1992, Kaner’s has built a reputation for being the go-to place for high-end bag repairs. It’s clear that they’re trusted by those in the know since their clientele includes designer Diego Fuchs and stylist Roslyn Griffith Hall.
Zipper replacements, stitching repairs, and alterations—you name it, they can probably do it. They’re also skilled at working on vintage bags, offering dyeing and professional cleaning services to enhance their appearance.
Another customized service that sets them apart is special requests. If you have a specific vision for your bag, their expert craftsmen are ready to collaborate with you.
It’s no surprise that this shop has been featured in major media outlets like CBC and the Toronto Star.
We do advise you to watch out for their technicians—some might come off as defensive or rude.
Workmanship is absolutely first-class
“Superb, just superb. I brought in a leather backpack that needed the main zipper replaced. They didn’t have the zipper in stock so they ordered it, which took a few weeks and it was well worth the wait. The workmanship is absolutely first class and the price to have the zipper replaced was very reasonable. Absolutely the best handbag/backpack repair store in the GTA. I would highly recommend them. They are located at Bloor and Avenue Road — easily accessible via public transit.”
MamaS, Google Review
Repaired my bag quickly and seamlessly at a reasonable price
“Regretfully I overpacked one of my designer luggage bags and the leather strap tore right off the hardware. A friend recommended Kaner’s and I’m glad I took their advice- they repaired my bag quickly and seamlessly at a reasonable price. They were upfront with costs and turnaround and there were no surprises at pick up. Very happy with the service and results :)”
Meg Lizabet, Google Review
4. Novelty Shoe Rebuilders
Novelty Shoe Rebuilders is committed to sustainability, using only the finest leathers, textiles, and eco-friendly materials for repairs and custom work.
Beyond shoes, they specialize in repairing and replacing luggage, handbags, and briefcase handles, including pull handles. Torn linings can be sewn or replaced as well.
Bored of your brown leather bag? Freshen it up with their recoloring services and give it a new look.
And if you need accessories to complement your bags or shoes, check out their online shop. They offer a range of options—e.g. belts, soles, and lifts—to complete your look.
Granted, they’re not perfect. We heard about subpar repairs that their former customers were not happy with.
Great service, great prices, great quality
“Great service, great prices, great quality. Everything was done perfectly and very quick! Hard to find a place that can be trusted, so will definitely come back here with more projects. Also very convenient location!”
Antonina Babych, Google Review
Done perfectly and in good time
“Great service. Got my backpack strap adjusted and it was done perfectly and in good time. Highly recommend.”
Edelyn Tolentino, Google Review
5. Centre Shoe Clinic
Yonge St’s Centre Shoe Clinic has been a trusted name in repairs for over three decades. They offer a wide range of services, from shoe and bag repairs to key cutting and even snowmobile covering repairs.
Briefcases, handbags, backpacks, and tunnel bags are all serviced here. And they can repair or replace just about anything—zippers, handles, straps, chains, corners, catches, bottom studs, loops, linings, and more.
In terms of luggage, they can fix broken locks and wheels. This is impressive since not all repair shops can do these.
As a bonus, you can buy everything you need to keep your bag in good shape right there in the store (e.g. leather care products, eyelets, component parts, etc.). No need to hunt them down in other places!
Not everything is smooth sailing though—we heard about customers who were not happy with the quality of their repairs.
Made my purse look brand new!
“Simion is amazing! He was able to repair an expensive purse for me (a broken closing buckle) that was a very tricky job. He was quick, friendly and made my purse look brand new! I am so incredibly thankful. It’s nice to know there are still craftspeople around so we can repair rather than throw things away.”
Christine Cho, Google Review
Prices are fair and the workmanship is beyond reproach
“The service here is incredible! The cobbler does amazing work with such detail and precision. His prices are fair and the workmanship is beyond reproach. I would recommend this place to anyone looking to have work done on their leather goods, shoes, bags and even coats/jackets. Totally worth it!!!”
Agnes Fodor, Google Review
