It’s not uncommon for tailors and shoemakers to lament the rise of fast fashion, which encourages a continuous cycle of waste and consumption rather than a TLC approach to wardrobe.
But Dana Carrara, co-owner of The Cobbler in San Bruno, is seeing a change in the younger generation, many of whom are not only interested in retro vintage clothing, but also interested in sustainability. There has also been an increase in investment.
“They are more environmentally conscious now and sometimes don’t want to give up their things. They are more attached now,” Kalara said.
Carrara runs the business, which recently relocated to downtown San Bruno, with her husband, Jay, who has been in the industry for nearly 20 years.
Although the new store is smaller and does not offer dry cleaning services, business is still strong. Thrifting is still popular, not only to find items from the 1990s and early 2000s that are currently trending, but also to spend money on cheaply made items that, paradoxically, have become very expensive. This is also to avoid this. Dana said they often carry leather handbags and other items customers purchase from thrift stores, as well as alter and repair clothing.
“Young people as well as older people can get some pretty good items when they go to thrift stores. To them, it’s worth it,” she said.
Although foot traffic at the new store is different than in downtown San Mateo, where the store was previously located, Dana said he hasn’t noticed a significant drop in customer business.
“Most of them follow us, even customers who are two or three hours away by car. They’re even willing to mail it to us,” she said. .
The Cobbler has been in the area for over 70 years and has changed ownership several times since then. The Carraras purchased the store in 2019. Jay was starting his own business, and Dana quit her job in the medical field to join him. Her husband still handles more complex projects, but after taking classes and learning the ropes from Jay, she has taken on repairs and remodeling in addition to running the business.
“Owning your own business is great. It has its pros and cons. You have to spend all your time working on your business and you can’t get sick or take vacations,” she says. Said. “But we are building a legacy here.”
The Cobbler is located at 440 San Mateo Ave. in downtown San Bruno. For more information, please visit thecobblersb.com.
