Though the recession has hit some businesses hard in southwestern Connecticut, local shoe repairmen say they have more and more customers coming in each day.

The owner of Darien Shoe Repair says the faltering economy has inspired some residents to fix their shoes, rather than buy new ones. Most of his old customers are bringing in more pairs of shoes for repair, and he is seeing many new customers for the first time.

Shoe repairman Izet Music, who owns a shop in Stamford, says he hasn?t sold a new pair of shoes in months, but has fixed many more pairs than usual.?It looks like the economy works in my advantage in a way,? Music says. ?I just have to work harder for my money, which I don't mind, I still have a job.?

Music charges $8 to replace the heels on a pair of women?s shoes.