Economy Shoe Repair, an institution in Norwalk for 92 years, is closing its doors.

Joe Ancona, 76, is a second-generation cobbler. His father started Economy Shoe Repair on West Avenue in Norwalk in 1929 after arriving from Sicily.

Ancona says there were 20 shoe repair places in town back then. Now Ancona is just one of two.

He grew up in the business, learning the work from his dad and taking over in 1969. Ancona says he's ready to retire after 52 years, saying that the closure is bittersweet and that he will miss his loyal customers.

“I've had the little kids grow up to be big kids, now their kids are having kids,” he says.

Through most of that time, Economy Shoe Repair was on West Avenue. The business moved to Butler Street for six years, then its current location on Wall Street, where it's been for about three years.

Ancona’s craft was a victim of mass-produced footwear that's cheap enough to replace rather than repair.

“Sneakers are a big thing, throwaway shoes are a big thing today, too, which did bite into the business,” he told News 12.

The closure also comes on the heels of a rough year for business. Work and dress shoes didn't get much wear during COVID-19. But Ancona says things are picking up again as his time open winds down.

Economy Shoe Repair is set to close on July 31. Ancona is hoping someone buys it before then and helps the business get to 100 years.