Tulsa Shoe Repair A Booming Business

By Rick Wells, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The national economy has caused many folks to rethink how they spend money, but there are some businesses where the recession has provided a boost.

Cars are being kept longer, so repairs are up. And shoe repair shops are experiencing a surge in business. You might call it a sole revival.

Terry Keylon learned to repair shoes before he finished junior high and has been at it ever since for almost forty years.

"Business is outstanding," said Terry Keylon, Cobbler.

Nationally, the shoe repair business has experienced a resurgence in the down economy. Terry says they are fortunate. Business never really went away.

"We stay busy. We've stayed a little steadier," said Keylon.

There was a stream of customers at the front counter. One person needed his belt shortened -- it either stretched or he lost weight. One lady had some inserts cut for her shoes and had her purse strap shortened.

"We work on luggage, belts, we work on just about anything made of leather, plastic that can be sewed," said Keylon.

The shop has several customers from out of town who either mail their shoes in to be repaired or make special appointments to take them in when they are in town.