Commentary
My title comes from an old expression that highlights the dedication of business owners to their customers. Putting their customers’ needs above their own well-being is often a core value or a necessary practice. Once a business owner commits to their venture, ensuring its success becomes a primary focus.
This sentiment comes to mind in light of the recent public blame placed on grocery stores for inflation. This accusation is unfounded, as grocery stores operate on slim profit margins and face rising costs themselves. Just as consumers are paying higher prices for food, stores are grappling with increased expenses for products, insurance, rent, labor, and maintenance. They, too, are impacted by inflation.
Returning to the old expression, there’s a legend that the last person to indulge in the candy in a candy shop is the owner. This is because the owner is acutely aware of the financial challenges and intricacies of running the business. The merchant often prioritizes the success of the enterprise over personal interests, a reality familiar to many business owners.
Have you ever visited a cobbler, a skilled craftsman specializing in shoe repairs? It’s a dying art form, with fewer artisans practicing this trade in a throwaway society. Observing the antique machines and tools in a cobbler’s shop offers a glimpse into a bygone era when machinery was built to last generations.
During my visit to an old-time cobbler’s shop, I marveled at his vintage equipment and learned about his family’s multi-generational involvement in the shoe repair trade. This specialized profession, passed down through generations, highlights the unique and enduring nature of cobbling.
Cobblers have played a significant role in history, from ancient civilizations to modern times, as depicted in stories like “The Elves and the Shoemaker.” This tale underscores the transformative power of work and commerce in elevating individuals from poverty to prosperity.
Reflecting on this narrative, we can see parallels in our own lives as beneficiaries of unseen assistance and the fruits of our labor. The evolution from a primitive state of existence to a world shaped by commerce and industry has reshaped human well-being.
While observing the cobbler at work in his modest shop, I witnessed a steady stream of affluent customers entrusting their high-end shoes for repair. These discerning patrons, driving luxury vehicles, exemplify the cobbler’s appeal to a refined clientele seeking superior craftsmanship.
This cobbler’s unassuming shop, devoid of elaborate advertising or a website, thrives on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business. His dedication to his craft and commitment to delivering quality shoe repairs have earned him a loyal customer base, demonstrating the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship.
It is his profession, not a source of wealth, but he manages to make ends meet. He considers it his calling and mission, and he executes it with skill, diligence, and pride, hoping to secure repeat business, which he successfully does.
However, the lack of an apprentice raises concerns about who will carry on the tradition once the current generation of cobblers is no longer around. Some may argue that the need for cobblers is diminishing as people opt for cheaper shoes that they can easily replace. The shift in consumer preferences towards rubber and plastic soles over traditional leather ones is evident in many shoe stores.
The decline of the shoe industry in the United States is disheartening, with only a few high-end brands catering to a niche market. The majority of manufacturing has moved overseas, resulting in a significant shift in the market dynamics.
There is a sense of apprehension about the future of cobblers and their craft. Will there still be cobblers in ten or twenty-five years? Will the tradition continue to exist? While the industry may not be lucrative, cobblers play a crucial role in our society, ensuring that shoes are repaired and maintained for their customers.
It is essential to support these small businesses and appreciate the role they play in preserving a craft that has been integral to civilization for centuries. Cobblers serve as a reminder of our past and the importance of skilled artisans in our society.
In conclusion, the survival of cobblers is crucial not only for the preservation of a timeless craft but also for the continuity of a tradition that has shaped our history. Their dedication and expertise should be celebrated, not overlooked or dismissed.
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