In Caulfield, a small suburb in Melbourne’s inner-south, local cobbler Steve Duncan has become a cherished fixture in the community. His quaint shoe repair shop, free from modern technology and lined with shoes and tools, offers a nostalgic experience that evokes memories for many who visit. “Customers often remark how the smells bring back memories of their fathers or grandfathers,” Duncan shared.
At 69, Duncan faced a tough challenge when business slowed down over Christmas, leaving him three months behind on rent for his store, which he has operated for nearly a decade. Many shops in the area were closing, and it appeared his shop might meet the same fate. Desperate to stay afloat, Duncan even sold his beloved motorbike to cover expenses. “The whole strip is struggling,” he noted, reflecting on the declining foot traffic.
However, just as he prepared for an inevitable closure, the community rallied behind him. Upon seeing a lease sign in the window, customers began flocking back to the shop, expressing their desire for him to remain open. “I was overwhelmed because it’s just a little shoe repair shop amongst many closures,” Duncan said. Thanks to their support, over $4,000 was raised through donations, providing a lifeline for his business.
Duncan’s patrons continue to show their appreciation, ensuring his shop remains vibrant. “There aren’t many genuine people like him anymore,” noted loyal customer Mark, highlighting the rapport Duncan has built over the years. After training as a shoemaker at 19, Duncan spent much of his career exploring various trades, yet his passion for cobbling always drew him back.
“We spend a lot of time here, and for me, it’s more of a hobby than a job,” Duncan exclaimed, demonstrating his enduring love for shoemaking. His commitment to the craft and the community he serves has ensured that, despite challenges, the spirit of the cobbler in Caulfield lives on, enriched by the warmth of community support.