Small-town Iowa shoe store without website gains international following

[@michaelford5216]

Word of mouth is absolutely the best advertisement.

[@denniskumabe734]

True. Side note Morgan freeman said that about the movie show shank redemption.

[@l_Live_In_Oregon]

Good or bad, it's an effective tool.

[@anafrinil6310]

I'm from small town in Southern Minnesota and everyone here knows about these guys

[@princybella5386]

Didn't work for Kamala.😂

[@Sh3llShockGaming]

Yes but they can make a lot more money now if they use a website. Word of mouth is good, but why not make more money? How exactly is a website bad?

[@allisonwonderland5149]

I'm glad there are still cobblers.😊

[@lizabetx483]

They are so important. Fast fashion shoes just don't feel the same.

[@SeriousPinoyGamer]

@@lizabetx483 They also don't last as long. These traditional leatherwear are built to take the abuse.

[@I_author_articles]

shoutout to blacksmiths, and rock chippers!

[@katielowen]

I LOVE PEACH COBBLER🥰

[@olivegrove-gl3tw]

my parents go to the local cobbler often, they only buy shoes that can be fixed

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

I needed a zipper fixed on a very complicated piece of Sports equipment. It was made in Brazil so sending it back to the OEM wasn't cost effective for a 10 inch zipper replacement. I found a Cobbler in my town knowing that he would be the only type of shop to have the special kind of sewing machine that the job required. He was happy to show off his machine and enjoyed taking the odd job because it was so unusual, but he also asked me "What made you come to my shop for this?" and I said "I knew that only a real Cobbler shop would have the right kind of sewing machine and someone with the skill to do the repair". The look on his face was priceless, he just softened a little and smiled... sometimes people just appreciate being remembered and recognized.

[@Yvo19]

It's the same here in Scotland, small business is vanishing. The town where i live has only 2 old school shops left. It's very sad. However, seeing folk like this family, with their no waste/repair attitude brings me so much happiness. More power to them.

[@honkhonk8009]

small businesses come back when you stop outsourcing to China. Keep in mind we only got rid of feudalism when we had the litteral black death and a 100 year war lower everybodys population to the point feudal lords had to compete over peasant workers. The moment your economy becomes "interest rate sensitive", it usually means its full of administrative bloat jobs that do nothing.

[@malakisands8180]

I live in a 1,400 person town in Rural America. Not far from me is one of the best Saddle Makers, Cobble worker which is 87 years old and loves the conversation and giving shoes and boots new life

[@SchnoogansMcDuff]

My grandfather was a cobbler and I used to watch him fix all sorts of things as a kid. When he retired he took all his tools into a shop he had in the back yard and he would let all the grandkids craft, customize and fix whatever we wanted. I'm so incredibly proud that I was able to learn that skill from him and am thankful for the memories I have of his teaching.

[@arturojuarez1270]

I started crying watching this, lost my grandfather on the 27th, I live thousands of miles away, in a thriving city in Mexico, I work home office for a capital firm, and the only thing I can think of is moving to the rural town, where my grandpa had his little store, population there is 80, I saw that grandfather smile right now, when he’s smiling knowing his grandsons are following his footsteps, I wish I would have forseen my greed in this industry, and just looked after his whole farm, and continued his legacy, but rest assured, I’ll try to do more now, but not doing it while he was alive is going to leave such a bad taste in my mouth!!! Respect to the father and sons for following their “pops’ shoes!

[@javiervega1065]

"Thriving city in Mexico"? Sounds very misleading as does your sheltered life.

[@arturojuarez1270]

@ what’s your point, yea I live in San Luis Potosí, don’t understand your dumb question, what’s misleading?

[@javiervega1065]

@@arturojuarez1270 potisi isn't thriving so take your crocodile tears elsewhere

[@charliekelly735]

I'm sorry to hear for your loss. I'm sure your grandfather would be proud of you if you did that!

[@Jebbie1976]

People like THIS are the heartbeat of America! God bless the Weaver family! ❤ 🇺🇸 ❤

[@doct0rnic]

I thought that was Chevy?

[@javiervega1065]

People say this politician catch phrase yet they turn they're backs on these businesses the second corporate America drops off a chain in they're town.

[@jakelaurent6]

God bless this man and his wonderful family. It's lovely to see his family continuing the craft passed down from each generation

[@krnstc]

Happy to see this - VERY happy I wish we still had a shoemaker here. I can remember the smell of the shop. God Bless!!

[@kutter_ttl6786]

It's good to see that they have a new generation willing to take on the reins of the business. Too many family shops disappear because there's no one to take over.

[@HannaIvy-pi4qn]

Thank you for this family story I miss my mom so dang much

[@kevsstream6349]

This is like most neighborhoods in Thailand and most south east asia. Communities keep generations alive with honor and respect as its earned.

[@GeoAce777]

Amen to that

[@mtrnkbsw-wd3eg]

This is the kind of thing that will revive America. You gotta rediscover your roots and reconnect with the past. You will find strength, meaning, and purpose again.

[@javiervega1065]

No it won't.

Nothing will revive America as long as it holds onto nostalgia and paints its past prettier than it was. It leads to conservativism, xenophobia, racism, everything that's currently leading us all to ruin. Pops cobbler won't save America, but neither will the billionaires.

[@samj1185]

Love how smooth that Claes shoe machine sounds.

[@robertnaylor6119]

I miss my cobbler Paul. R.I.P. buddy.

[@rhomotor]

Love to see stories like these. Hard working Americans keeping traditions alive for new generations.

[@PPosted]

Thanks for putting the big chunk in the video.

[@anthonyh3224]

as a former cobbler and Iowan this made me feel great.

[@84vietskater]

This is amazing I’m really into handmade shoes and boots still made in America!! Let’s keep this tradition alive and thriving please support this type of business. ❤

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

Weaver’s Leathers Store only repairs shoes and boots. They do not make them.

[@rowebil00]

We had a shoe store in the small city I grew up in. There is something different about it. They can work a machine and put back together a shoe better than buying it new. They can take a shoe and make it fit better than if the shoe was new. Something Dr. Scholls cannot do... I've seen videos of sending leather boots in for repair and they leave better than new. We must keep these people in business. It's worth every dollar.

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Beautiful.🤗And what a great guard dog!

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

Thank you we have two golden retrievers too.

[@Flyfishtherockies]

This is the American dream. Building a successful family business, teaching your children work ethic and a valuable trade, and then leading them down a debt free path in a generational business

[@susanr5546]

What an inspiring story and all by word of mouth. Three generations of craftsmen.

[@kunkmiceter]

"Small Town Iowa Shoe Store Without Website"...... FASCINATING!!!!! 😂

[@IceBuckets305]

Slow news day

[@firefly9838]

These are the people we need to support.

[@A38]

Wholesome and meaningful, good reporting.

[@RonaldMcDonald-o5z]

Good. Right to repair makes it illegal to repair your tractor or mac. At least we still have the freedom to repair shoes. America.

[@NBDave-l3m]

Why is it illegal to repair your own tractor or mac in US? We can repair any machine in my home country.😮

[@CharlesStewart-f4b]

Actually that Legislation Right to Repair rescinded. John Deere had to end that practice.

[@TheLordOfNothing]

@@NBDave-l3m It's not illegal per se, but a major manufacturer of tractors in the US, John Deere Company, their latest tractors are run by computers, and farmers can't just fix them anymore. As for Macs, as much as I love them (I'm writing this on one), Apple loves money, and makes them incredibly hard to repair.

[@cocoaa055]

How can you order shoes?

[@DCTag]

You use this thing called a mouth.

[@ferretyluv]

@@DCTagyeah but how do you support this store without a website or phone number or catalog?

[@ayyblyat9450]

@@ferretyluv You use something called legs or an automobile and go to the store

[@lars2894]

Probably by phone and Google maps

[@erika002]

​@@ferretyluv you physically go there and maybe spread it's existence online, more or less still word of mouth

[@GA-if6qf]

Beautiful!!! Family, keep it up!!

[@RobertVonSeiffenstein]

just FANTASTIC....

[@jiayou11]

You guys are awesome. This made me smile.

[@KreweOfBridge]

What an awesome story.

[@Jim-ej8hz]

I love these videos . Thank you

[@doonie5396]

Great story. I wish them much success...

[@tedcullen5817]

Really want to go vist😊

[@niwrad84]

Good to know theres already 4th generation

[@rdale2k5]

"We live in a throw away country." Sad but true. That being said I absolutely LOVE watching master craftsman (and women) creating hand made works of (practical) art in the modern era.

[@letiekllib]

The Buffalo Billfold Company salutes Weavers Leather!

[@adamfrbs9259]

In the opening scene he is sewing whats called a welted shoe....if this interests you. That in itself has an interesting story of origin. Still used to this day and considering the best type.

[@brandonedwards4398]

More news stories like this please

[@l_Live_In_Oregon]

Just this story alone will increase business, even if they have no website. I am sure they have a phone. Great story about an increasing lost art.

[@ellenkim5342]

Wow.. nice. I would like to get a pair of my shoes from there

[@MaxIsBackInTown]

So why are they well now known? Are the shoes good? This piece didnt tell me anything.

[@cmq23]

Same! It didn’t even say why or how it supposedly has an international following.

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

@@MaxIsBackInTown we are known for our quality repair and our competitive prices. We do not make shoes/boots.

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

@@cmq23 we are known for our quality repair and our competitive prices.

[@ZacharyMORRIS-rv2bo]

Beautiful family.

[@scrubadubdub8360]

Ever since I was a kid, I always thought being a cobbler would be such a relaxing job. Hard work, but something about it just seems relaxing.

[@anafrinil6310]

I'm from small town in Southern Minnesota and everyone here knows about these guys

[@michellerondina8381]

We need more of this, our own made in the USA product not overseas like China!

[@javiervega1065]

And yet you voted for the man who outsourced more than 200k jobs.

[@kidsafe]

Most of the shoes in their inventory are from China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, etc. Trump’s tariffs are going to eat small businesses like this alive.

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

Weaver’s Leathers Store does not make shoes or boots. We just repair them. We stay competitive because our prices are competitive

[@Gggggggggg1545.7]

The older I get the more I spend on quality shoes

[@doughuey8038]

Great story, keep it up boys!

[@HannaIvy-pi4qn]

Great story thank you

[@Bryan-b1r2i]

0:45 she sounds Minnesotan so this must be northern Iowa

[@Floppydragon69]

The town is practically on the border. I’d say it’s less than 20 minutes from Minnesota

[@beverlybmwwilkerson5923]

Small Business 🔥

[@mkjk456]

Word of mouth always the best businesses.... Gpa is so cute

[@hassanrao3576]

This is a great video.

[@mylesnmore]

I still dont get it. How do people know about them? Why them out of all shops? Why do they have new shoes when they fix them? Why so many pairs of shoes in stock? Are they sent from other places? What do you specialise in? Why gym shoes? What makes them more special than other places. ALL THESE TOPICS are not covered, just "old trusted family business" and thats it. Lost opportunity.

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

Weaver’s Leathers Store just repairs boots/shoes and many other items. The products we sell are popular brands like Red Wing boots and New Balance tennis shoes. We sell all of our products at competitive prices which is one of the reasons we stay so busy.

[@mylesnmore]

@@JulieWeaver-e7x Thank you for explaining your business more! Really appreciate your taking the time to answer my silly comment. I got flustered because I do a lot of journalistic storytelling and was waiting for "the shoe to drop" on some details that didnt come. Anyway, I'm glad your business is doing great, that's all that matters. God bless!

[@anafrinil6310]

Just like good shoe repair, good reporting is hard to find these days. J schools at Universities these days do good job of indoctrination at expense of what is vastly more important which is a knowledgeable, well informed public.

[@shawnstephens1251]

If a product is good or works, you don't need advertising. Advertising and commercials are for products that don't work.

[@you7uber5]

I need those 16s

[@LukeLong-oi4uc]

Great story!

[@louieralphie2957]

Gotta love the small towns,

[@MyGrassIsGreenest]

I'm over in Omaha, I'll have to have a mini road trip to get a pair!

[@CharlesStewart-f4b]

Im in West Michigan. A 91 yr old curmudgeonly #NavyVeteranKorea. Mostly wear tennis shoes or boots. But I do have my SUNDAY DRESS shoes. That need new soles. I may need this man. Ill ship my shoes to him. At 91 Im getting buried in them,,so hope hes fast.😊

[@believelandheightsbelievel5631]

Thank you for your service sir. Every person in this Country.. Salutes you.

[@JillKnapp]

We're gonna need you here for a good while longer, my friend. There's still good work to do. ❤️

[@CharlesStewart-f4b]

@JillKnapp Thank you for the kind words. Im certainly aiming to be a sort of Methuselah, lol.

[@CharlesStewart-f4b]

@@believelandheightsbelievel5631 Thank you so much. I did love my Navy yrs.

[@bowtiepower4951]

My Grandfather was in the Army in Korea operating the M46s Pattons. Thank you for reminding me of him this morning and thank you for your service

[@fazeljigry4896]

Hi good job guys and also God bless

[@jjuniper479]

"We have shoes in every state. Never had a website, just word of mouth." Wix: 👁👄👁

[@mulemule]

*Totally confused: do they sell handmade shoes or recondition old shoes by hand? Not following what drives customers' loyalty ...*

[@barbaravarona1998]

Yes mede in USA❤

[@teranmm]

Cute dog

[@solidkingcobra]

what do they do though? do they sell shoes? fix shoes?

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

@@solidkingcobra we sell and repair shoes. We do not make any shoes/boots.

[@caseclosed9342]

Fun fact: John Augustus - a shoe maker and shoe store owner - lead a prison reform campaign that created the system of probation here in the United States.

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

I'll never forget when Obama said America was no longer a manufacturing country. It was a service economy. I'm from the day when you didn't want it if wasn't made in America!

[@materialgrl2000]

I'm not. I've never known a single person who worked in manufacturing of any kind.

[@JohnCarter-qv1ie]

@@materialgrl2000 Worked my entire life as a custom cabinet manufacturer. You can't buy what I make at home depot! It's garbage made in China!!!

[@javiervega1065]

Those days never existed.

[@brianingarfill1773]

GOOD LUCK FOR 2025 AND GOD BLESS!!! from the UK

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

God bless all of you

[@UncleMichaelable]

Sriracha never advertises either.

[@kyleebrock]

Crocs across America!

[@LimitedWard]

It's a really cool story, but I wish they went into more detail about how they gained such a following. Cobblers like them are a dying breed, but they're not exactly uncommon. I'm confused how they've gained customers internationally considering there's surely cobblers closer that they can go to.

[@Jasongy827]

Best advise we save the unsavable

[@BubbaBellin]

Hit me when she said we live in a throw away country.

[@dwaindodson8395]

Great Story!! Keep that business going

[@newmobile1455]

if you make it and it's good people will buy it

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

@@newmobile1455 they don’t make shoes/ boots. They repair them. They can modify them too like build ups if needed.

[@GLN14659]

He'll of a story! Now, can someone help them help us reach them for orders? I've been looking for a shoe cobbler for far too long. A dying art for sure! And they do repairs too! Gonna need their help for sure.

[@JulieWeaver-e7x]

Buffalo Center , IA 50424

[@ryanhotrod5416]

Oldie but goldie......i was talking about word of mouth 👄 marketing. 😅

[@zxys001]

So Kewl! 🤠

[@jeromenelson4093]

Is the news reader using a generated voice? The pitches and tones don't match the sentences

[@melvinshine9841]

Can I get the newest pair of Js from them, though?

[@SethDulin-u8t]

Anthony Hall aka Nat Hall is the person that you are looking for.

[@milo8425]

NBC's first pro-family, non-communist news segment in nearly a decade. Congrats!

[@clarencemcgregor8568]

Been there done that!

[@jamesharren3882]

Grandpa 🥲

[@davecorrea1061]

👏👏👏

[@camtheman1942]

This is news the boys want to hear about.

[@dominicbonarrigo6502]

Bulldog was best part.

[@chabirandjeanmarc7032]

Well yes at 90 y/o he is still working great!! Why doesn't he enjoy his retirement peacefully?

[@AethosPallisades]

I just watched Joy Reid Thanksgiving message. It was full of hate.

[@GLN14659]

Has nothing to do w this video, fly away troll.

[@javiervega1065]

Her and al charlottan should be in prison

[@elidee2914]

❤❤

[@thecriticalj7833]

I would love to treat the family to dinner and eat with them

[@js6728]

huh

[@sidewalkid]

What a beautiful video. Imagine if we cared this much about Israel. The world would be a better place.

[@curtisbigsby6257]

What a weird story. Somebody is lying about something. They’re not selling all those shoes without a website! Should be investigated.

[@NBDave-l3m]

Every shop is not online.

[@CharlesStewart-f4b]

​@@NBDave-l3mExactly. Im in West Michigan, Grand Haven. Several great shops,businesses our family patronizes doesnt do websites or Facebook.

[@curtisbigsby6257]

@@CharlesStewart-f4b your town has 10,000+ more people than Buffalo Center Iowa which they clip said had a population of 850. Maybe that doesn’t seem like a lot to you but it’s quite a difference when it comes to operating a small business.

[@curtisbigsby6257]

@@NBDave-l3m with an inventory of 13,000 shoes a person would wonder why not? It would cost him maybe $25 to start one.

[@Thenry-v5l]

Buffalo Center is in the middle of a large region of very small towns. There may be 850 people in the town, but there are thousands more in the surrounding towns. Plus, they have a reputation and people travel to buy shoes there or get them repaired. I grew up in the region and we bought all of my families shoes from Weavers.

[@alpineflauge909]

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