Mephisto, the specialty shoe store on Fourth Street, has closed after 20 years of operation. It was opened by Safet Halilovic and his wife, Inge, in 2004, focusing on high-quality leather footwear. Despite its closure, the Halilovics continue to operate a Mephisto store in Walnut Creek that has been in business since 2002. The Mephisto brand, launched in France in 1965, aims to create premium walking shoes.
Uchi, a West Berkeley furniture store run by Yo Akino, is closing after six and a half years due to declining sales exacerbated by pandemic-related supply chain issues. Akino, who was previously employed at The Wooden Duck, opened Uchi to carry on the legacy of affordable teak furniture. Despite her initial enthusiasm for her business, she stated, 'The stress is not worth it,' reflecting the challenges many small businesses face post-pandemic.
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