Crispin Leather Closes

Crispin and Shoetown were a full price, full service, "brick and mortar" kind of stores. Times are tough for this business model, especially as discretionary funds are getting tighter for the Workforce.

No doubt that space soon will be full of some critical business, like a Jamba Juice or a Baby Gap, that incrementally make Santa Barbara as special as Newport Beach.

The last time I was in Crispin Leather they sold me a pair of defective shoes and when I brought them back the owner said I had ruined them and called me a liar. I have heard two other tales of abominable customer service from similarly abused customers.

From the note in the window it seems the owners blame the age of vinyl for their woes. I think they had a hand in their own demise.

I was in Hermosa Beach this past weekend and there was a storefront that had a sign with something like "Birkenstock Store Coming Soon." Weird I know.

But the point that I'd really like to make is that people in general and business owners often complain that the government is behind their downfall when usually it is just that a business model has run it's course. Another to blame is the "Chain" or "Big Box."

I'd like to blame the local "Highest and Best Use" Chamber of Commerce and Business community for pushing parking projects attracting cars rather than housing and residents who might actually support mom and pop businesses.

So who's next? The Book Den?

David's right: Next up -- Juicy Preteen.

So long, Santa Barbara.

A prime location for a Starbucks or cellphone store.

The evil auto is to blame for sure...people aren't burning up enough shoe leather.

'Course we could probably turn it into an affordable condo and get state credit...

Maybe Dario can figure out how to get three fridges and 30 bodies in there.

Santa Barbara music is closing after 15 years and now Crispin leather after what, 30 years? Our city is leaving us.

Sad. Unbelievable that we can no longer purchase good quality shoes from this wonderful store. It has never been the same since the original owners sold out , neither has Shoetown. Soon after Shoetown was taken over racks of jumbled shoes on sale appeared outside, unheard of in the past. and the quality slowly dwindled . The scene has become so familiar and there will be more empty store fronts. Good quality and taste has left Santa Barbara too many times, never to be be replaced.

It is always surprising to me when I read comments about how the closing of a "local" store is the doom of Santa Barbara....somehow government is to blame or the big chains.... Hey, times change, enterprises come and go - remember Ott's or the White house? - Consumer trends change and I believe it is up to business owners to adapt. Understanding the wants and needs of consumers, delivering excellent service and marketing make good business sense - The Blue Bee stores (started here in SB) are a great example of business owners finding a niche and really working it!

I agree that our town is leaving us....

Next thing we know we will be over run by Lois Vuitton Juicy Tiffany’s and all those over priced Beverly hill stores. OH I FORGOT!! That’s already happening

hahaha silly me...

What's next????

Solvang going to go mainstream too????

I've always been a sneakers kinda person, but I wish the former owners well. It does give one pause to think about stores like Crispin and the Greek Italian deli making way for retailers like MAC cosmetics and Rip Curl. Newport Beach indeed.

Anyone know if they're going to redeem their store credits?