Business & Tech
Small Business Q&A: Canton Road Plaza Shoe Repair
Local tradesman are on the endangered species list, but this cobbler is thriving in Northeast Cobb.
Shop owner Richard Brewer is a second-generation shoe repair craftsman. He was born and raised in Northeast Cobb.
Sustainability of the trade is uncertain because of declining shoe manufacturing standards and consumer attitudes that would rather replace than repair goods, he said.
Brewer shared that his business, , is doing better than average in the current down economy.
Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. At my age it's getting to be where nothing is the best thing. (He laughs). Meeting people is the best. I have customers who have been coming here for 25 to 30 years.
Q. What is the best thing about Northeast Cobb?
A. I've been here all my life. It's all good.
Q. Why did you choose to open your business in Northeast Cobb?
A. My father was a shoe repairman for 37 years. His shop was in the East Marietta Shopping Plaza. I started learning the trade from my father when I was 13. When I opened my own place I was in competition with him for a while.
Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. I do boot repair, purse repair, and some orthopedic work.
Q. How long have you been in business?
A. 38 years. I opened this place in 1973.
Q. How did your business get started?
A. On a shoestring budget. Literally. I saved up $800 and several people gave me a little credit to buy machines and supplies. This plaza is owned by the same family that owns the plaza where my father's shop was. The owner gave me free rent until I started making money. I was threadbare for a while.
Q. Do you have advice for anyone who'd like to start a small business in this area?
A. If you have the desire, go for it. Take risks. It'll be hard work and uncertain if it's going to give you anything. But, the main benefit is doing something you enjoy. I get a nice feeling knowing that I have work to go to tomorrow-a job to do.
Q. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
A. Advice on caring for shoes: swap out your shoes, don't wear the same pair over and over; keep them clean and polished; using shoe trees makes a big difference in how long a pair lasts.
is located at 1951 Canton Rd., Suite 30.
For more information, call 770-427-9914.