Faklis’ Celebrates 100 Years in Tarpon Springs

As a staple on Tarpon Avenue, Faklis’ Department Store has seen its fair share of hard times, from the Great Depression to the more recent downturn of the economy.

The family, now four generations strong, attributes the success of Faklis’ to hard work and the support from loyal customers. Head back a century and find Vasile G. Faklis, a resident of Tarpon Springs, smoothing the rough edges of his department store. Faklis’ opened its doors in 1912 and carried everything from men’s suits to women’s shoes. 

Vasile became a well known name among business owners and residents. Shoe repairs were his specialty. Vasile’s orthopedic approach to shoe repairs were highly sought after, and he gained a solid following of customers within a short time.

Fast forward 18 years and George Faklis was brought into the world, followed by his brother, Michael. 

George, 82, remembers growing up in Tarpon Springs and learning the tricks of the trade at a young age. He said that he was “about 10 or 11” years old when he started working in the store. However, George noted that the city "was different back then."

“It was a small town at that time,” George explained. Despite the depression, “we were doing fine,” he said.

After the hard times seemed to blow over, Tarpon Avenue was alive with new businesses. The small town was evolving, and the Faklis family was happy with the positive progression. Staying focused on business was not a problem because George and Michael, 75, both agree that running the department store was what they “loved to do.”

Little did they know, the family was laying the foundation for a legacy. The customer service and professional experience captured a slew of customers who would eventually keep the store afloat. 

How Faklis' Stayed Relevant

With an ever changing tide in the business world, the brothers had to either evolve or be left behind. “We tried to move with the times,” said George. The family managed to stay up to date with technology and the demands from customers. 

According to Michael, the downtown area of Tarpon Avenue flourished with business for a decade or two but began to diminish in recent years.

“Things started changing, and the area started deteriorating,” Michael said. “We stuck it out.”

Michael said that “loyal customers” are a main part of the department store’s run. “The Faklis Fit” is the term that folks have come to use when they describe the aftermath of the family’s services. 

Nowadays, it is not unusual for clients to send their shoes from other cities to be repaired at Faklis’. George and Michael receive orders on a weekly basis from all over the state so that people can enjoy “the Faklis Fit.

Vasile Faklis, George’s son, followed in his family’s footsteps and is now an orthotist. He operates inside Faklis’ Department Store and brings the business full circle. Vasile, 45, said that the core values of the store are the main reason why Faklis’ is still around. 

“As we grow, we have to try new ideas and work harder,” said Vasile. 

Vasile’s children mark the fourth generation of Tarpon Springs residents. As far as the department store goes, Vasile said that he will leave it up to them if they want to take over the family business or not. He said that he was given the same choice as an adolescent

“When they’re old enough, they can make that decision,” Vasile said.

The growth of Faklis’ reach includes a new line of orthopedic products that will be sold in other stores around the city and eventually around the country. 

With 100 years to the store’s credit, George Faklis said that he is “so happy” to celebrate with the community. Michael’s remark that followed sums up the family’s wish for the future of the store: “We want to make people happy because that’s what makes us happy.”

Faklis' Department Store

139 E. Tarpon Ave.

(727) 938-1525 (Orthopedic services)

(727) 937-3602 (Department store and shoe repair)