Wilson’s Shoe Repair: A Business Serving Community And Family

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NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – If you have ever traveled along East Street, you may have noticed a shop named Wilson’s Shoe Repair.

For decades, this store has occupied its location and was founded before the nation gained independence, providing a livelihood for two generations of the Wilson family.

Our Denielle Miller shares their story.

The first time I encountered a broken heel my mother recommended I take my shoes to Wilson’s. Since that day whenever I require shoe repair I bring them here however I was unaware that this family business has been operating for seventy six years.

“We’ve done work for Sir Lynden, Sir Cecil Whitfield Wallace, Governor General Cash, Sir Gerald Cash, Mr. Taylor’s shoes, Clifford Darling shoes I still do shoes for Lady Marguerite.” – Tyrone Wilson, Proprietor

Proprietor of Wilson’s Shoe Repair, Tyrone Wilson, shared with me the rich history of the store.

His father, Thaddeous Wilson, was the original owner, having first opened their doors in 1950 on East Street Hill.

Tyrone mentioned that in 1960, despite being a young boy at the time, he made the decision to join the family business.

“I started at age nine. On my summer vacation my father was traveling so I had to do really the book keeping in the store.”

As he entered adulthood and his father began his retirement, he took over the store. At the same time, a decision was made to move from East Street Hill to East Street. For the past 48 years, he ran the business from this new location.

Tyrone conveyed a sense of pride in the legacy his father bequeathed to him, recognizing that the enduring success of Wilson’s Shoe Repair is indeed remarkable.

“Other stores just went out of business because children didn’t appreciate having a business. Now generally what the children would say is that that was your calling not mine.”