CHRISTCHURCH SHOE REPAIR STORE MOVING OUT AFTER 144 YEARS

For more than a century, Hillmorton has been home to a homegrown, home-owned shoe repair store.

For 144 years, the humble abode of 27 Lincoln Road has served the same purpose.

The McGregors have owned and operated the business for the past six decades - but it's time for a spruce up.

"It's been a good ol' girl, but it's probably done its dash," Adam McGregor said.

A clipping of The Press Newspaper hangs proudly on the wall - it's dated Thursday, April 29, 1880.

That was from opening day - the original key for the front door is mounted nearby.

"It started in 1880 by a guy called George Thomas, who lived in the back here, with a shop out the front."

In 1956, Adam's father was in his 20s, already a cobbler and keen to go out on his own.

While biking to work into town he passed the Lincoln Rd business.

"Dad walked in here - the guy's name was Eddie Beach - and said 'would you like to sell your business, I'm quite keen to buy it?'" Adam said.

"Eddie said 'nah, no way'. Well bugger me, a month later he had a heart attack, didn't die, and got hold of dad and said 'do you want to buy it?'"

Adam's father purchased the store using a £500 loan, from his mum.

"It was meant to be."

There was never any intention to follow the same career path.

"I wasn't going to stay very long, but I said to the old man 'I'll come and help you for a wee while'. That was 43 years ago."

Despite the current economic times, business is still booming. So much so, Adam needs more space to work around.

"Every year I think that might change - it might get quieter and that, but it doesn't. It just stays the same."

In summer, wait times are usually one week. In winter, the workload means that extends to a month.

"It's always been busy the whole time."

On Monday, July 1 - for the first in 66 years - McGregors will open in a new location.

Their new store is at 5/37 Shands Road, in Hornby.

"It's got running hot water, that's a novelty. And a toilet, in the building."

Adam plans to have "a few quiets" with friends and family, to send off the old building.

"I have spent 40 years of my life in this building - but I am happy to move on. Definitely." 

2024-07-01T08:49:59Z dg43tfdfdgfd