Jesse’s Shoes And Repair In Goleta Closing

Jesse’s Shoes and Repair in Goleta is closing up shop after more than four decades of business.

Jesse Holder says he’s owned the shoe repair shop on Calle Real for 43 years, where he specialized in high-end shoe repair, unlike most other shops.

“I feel bad because I’m leaving because they’re not going to have anyplace else to go,” said Holder, referring to locals who depend on his expertise.

The cobbler wants to get word out to his customers who still have shoes sitting in boxes on his shelves and said the longest anyone’s left a pair behind was one year.

Holder talked to NewsChannel 3 between hugs from customers and said running the shop was a “wonderful experience” and leaving is a bittersweet decision but declining health is forcing him to retire.

“Most of my customers have been here as long as I have,” said Holder. “I’m really going to miss them, to let them go. They’ve been very, very nice. They brought me all kinds of gifts, cookies and candy because they hate to see me go.”

Holder said he plans to spend his free time traveling and fishing — two of his favorite things.

Jesse’s Shoes and Repair closes for good October tenth.