Slovenian Umbrella Repairer Caters to Growing Eco-Conscious Customer Base

In Ljubljana, Slovenia, Marija Lah, a 56-year-old woman, is one of Europe's last remaining umbrella repairers. Lah's nearly 60-year-old shop, which she took over from her father in 1991, continues to cater to a growing customer base seeking to reduce waste in 2024.

She claims she can repair up to 98% of the umbrellas brought to her shop, proving that most people do not need to buy new umbrellas when theirs malfunction.

While many umbrella repairers have closed shop due to the prevalence of cheap, disposable umbrellas, Lah's business is thriving as people become more environmentally conscious. "I've spent my life proving that umbrellas can be repaired instead of being replaced," Lah said, demonstrating the quality of a 50-year-old umbrella model to show that "everything can be repaired."

Lah, a former kindergarten teacher, reluctantly joined the shop as an apprentice at her father's request and continued running it after his death. She explains that repairing umbrellas requires mastering the craft of sewing and fine mechanics, with some repairs taking just a few minutes and others taking weeks. The mass production of umbrellas makes repairs challenging, but Lah remains committed to her work.

Why this matters: Lah's dedication to repairing umbrellas reflects a growing trend towards sustainability and reducing waste. As environmental concerns drive more people to seek eco-friendly alternatives, businesses like Lah's are becoming increasingly important in the fight against disposable culture.

Despite being unsure if her children will take over the shop in the future, Lah believes she can make a living as customers from all over Slovenia bring their umbrellas to her for repair. "Satisfied customers and rainy weather are the best advertisements for my business," Lah said. Customers like Katja Buda see Lah as a "saviour" for the vanishing profession of umbrella repair, as people often throw away old but high-quality items instead of repairing them.

Key Takeaways

• Marija Lah is one of Europe's last remaining umbrella repairers in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• Lah's 60-year-old shop can repair up to 98% of umbrellas, reducing waste.
• Lah's business thrives as people become more environmentally conscious.
• Repairing umbrellas requires mastering sewing and fine mechanics.
• Lah's work reflects a growing trend towards sustainability and reducing disposable culture.