After more than three decades serving the Shepton Mallet community, The Shepton Cobbler shop is facing the threat of closure unless locals start returning to support this cherished family business. In a town that has already seen many independent shops vanish, Mike and Barry Wassell, the father-and-son team running the cobbler, are calling on residents to help them keep their doors open.
Mike Wassell, 86, has dedicated his entire working life to cobbling and continues to practice his craft alongside his son Barry, 46. Recently, business slowed dramatically, prompting a concerned friend to post a heartfelt plea on Facebook accompanied by a photo of the duo, underlining the message: “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
The response was immediate and supportive. Lynda Sharpe, posting on the Frome social media page, praised the shop’s extensive services, from shoe repairs and bag mending to key cutting and battery replacements. “What they don’t know about shoes, boots, bags, keys, etc., is minimal,” she said, adding an endorsement of their affordable prices and welcoming presence.
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Despite this support, the cobbler’s challenges are clear. Since a major national chain, Timpsons, opened nearby in Townsend Shopping Park, foot traffic has declined sharply. Barry explains, “Our customers in Shepton are very loyal, but business is tough. Last Monday, we made only £13 all day. We have rent, petrol, materials, and time to consider. If this continues, we must seriously evaluate whether it’s sustainable.”
Barry also points out a worrying trend among younger generations, who tend to discard shoes rather than repair them, threatening the future of this traditional trade.
Although materials are costly, the Wassells strive to keep prices manageable to maintain accessibility for their customers. Having run the business themselves for nine years, after taking over from owners who served the community for 30 years, they hope a renewed wave of local support will save this invaluable local service.
Residents have been vocal in expressing their appreciation on social media, emphasizing that The Shepton Cobbler offers not only quality and affordability but also a vital piece of the town’s independent spirit—something worth preserving.