Abstract: The device is armed with servo-applicator means for applying shoe polishing compound to a rotor-driven applicator wheel which in turn transfers the polish to the shoe. The wheel may then be used to shine the shoe with the polish, or a substitute wheel may be used for this purpose, or if need be, an entirely separate means may be used for the purpose. The servo-applicator means may take the form of an insertible cartridge which is operable as a pushbutton-like applicator means on the device, or which can be separately employed as a handheld applicator means. The cartridge is commonly equipped with a stick of polishing compound, and in certain embodiments, the stick is removable from the cartridge, for purposes of renewing or replacing the compound, even while the cartridge is inserted in the device. In other embodiments, the cartridge is first removed from the device and then the compound is renewed or replaced before the cartridge is returned to the device.