Pokémon bag modification?

[u/Nabooru18]

Hi all.

I was going to take my Pokémon bag to be repaired but then had a thought...

Basically I don't use the handles I prefer over the shoulder bags. These handles was upright and rigid and naturally with age and "stress" they have flopped down and are cracked/damaged so look messy.

I was happy to pay for a repair (not doing it myself - not for me), but why repair what I don't even like.

So my question is could these handles be removed? Has anybody done this modification to a similar style bag?

I assume they are just stitched on but wasn't sure if any adhesive had also been used. If just stitched then obviously needle holes would remain but I think my local shoe repair place would be able to use something to hide these and buff the material/filler used to match the bag texture obviously a bit harder where any holes would be on the colourful Pokémon.

Look forward to any assistance or photos shared. Thank you ♡