After more than a century, Riding Boot and Shoe Service in Berwyn closed its doors for good on Jan. 1 after the last owner of the family business decided to retire, writes Caroline O’Halloran for Savvy Main Line. 

Over the shop’s 102 years, customers came from miles away to have the experts fix their shoes, purses, or belts. These included Eagles and Phillies players, TV anchors, and former N.J. Governor Chris Christie. 

Third-generation cobbler Joe Quici was busy until his final day at work. The store was opened by his Italian-born grandfather, Joseph M. Quici, in 1920. His father Edmond took over the shop in the 1960s. When he died suddenly of a heart attack, Quici took over. 

Quici had been lending a hand to his dad since seventh grade and never stopped. 

“I’m 70,” he said. “I’ve worked in the same place for 60 years. There’s an end to everything and this is the end.” 

With no one to take over and with shoe repair being a waning art, Quici plans on selling the homestead. 

Read more about Riding Boot and Shoe Service in Savvy Main Line. 

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