Greenville, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Ayers Leather Shop, a beloved fixture in downtown Greenville, celebrates its 75th anniversary, showcasing its unique leather products and strong community ties. Founded in 1950 by Elrod and Charlotte Ayers, the shop has evolved under Deb Ayers’ management, emphasizing personalized service and relationships with customers. Payton Ayers, the next generation, aims to continue the family legacy with a unique focus on travel repairs. Even amidst challenges, Ayers Leather Shop has remained an integral part of Greenville’s retail landscape, thanks to unwavering community support.
Greenville Celebrates Ayers Leather Shop’s 75 Years of Continuous Operation
Ayers Leather Shop, a staple of downtown Greenville, celebrates its remarkable 75th anniversary on Wednesday. Established in 1950 by Elrod and Charlotte Ayers with just $13.50 and a small corner store, the business has become renowned for its unique leather products and strong community ties.
Deb Ayers, currently managing the shop, describes it as the “oldest merchant” in downtown Greenville. Under her stewardship, the shop has fostered relationships with customers that often blossom into lasting friendships. The distinct fresh leather smell of the store draws patrons in, while the personalized service keeps them coming back.
Payton Ayers, Deb’s son and the next generation of Ayers family ownership, emphasizes his emotional connection to the family business and is committed to continuing its legacy. He specializes in a rare trade of travel repairs, claiming to be the only person offering this service in South Carolina, further distinguishing Ayers Leather Shop from its competitors.
The shop began as a place for handmade leather creations and repairs, which still remains a core part of its identity today. Despite facing eviction in 2014, Ayers Leather Shop managed to secure its future and continue operations, a testament to the resilience of the Ayers family.
The longevity of Ayers Leather Shop is credited to being in the right place at the right time and the unwavering support from the local community. Deb defines success as ensuring everyone who enters their store feels welcome, emphasizing the importance of their downtown location in fostering a strong customer base.
In celebration of the anniversary, the shop has been adorned with golden signs, snacks, and flower deliveries from the community, marking the significance of this milestone. Deb’s deep-rooted connection to the shop began when she was just six months old, as her parents brought her to work with them.
The Ayers family navigated through tough times, including challenges during the Great Recession and a complicated ownership lawsuit, leading to eviction threats. Over the years, the shop has moved several times, with its latest relocation in July 2022 to 17 W. North Street after the previous lease was not renewed.
Deb stepped into the family business in the late 1990s, taking over from her father, who originally opened the shop following his military service and after overcoming personal difficulties. In a changing retail landscape, the shop has not only survived competition from corporate stores but has also adapted to changing consumer shopping behaviors.
Looking to the future, Payton dreams of celebrating the shop’s 100th anniversary while Deb considers retirement plans by then. Ayers Leather Shop continues to offer a wide range of leather products and repair services, solidifying its reputation and customer loyalty in Greenville.
Despite encountering multiple hardships over the years, Ayers Leather Shop has become a pivotal element of downtown Greenville’s retail landscape, a cherished part of the local community identity. The support from the community is viewed as a fundamental factor contributing to the business’s ongoing success.
FAQ Section
What is Ayers Leather Shop?
Ayers Leather Shop is a family-owned business in downtown Greenville that specializes in handmade leather products and repairs.
When was Ayers Leather Shop founded?
The shop was founded in 1950 by Elrod and Charlotte Ayers.
Who currently owns Ayers Leather Shop?
Deb Ayers is the current generational owner, while her son Payton Ayers is set to carry on the family legacy.
What unique service does Payton Ayers provide?
Payton Ayers specializes in travel repairs, claiming to be the only person in South Carolina offering this service.
What challenges has the shop faced in its history?
The shop has faced several challenges, including eviction threats in 2014, competition from corporate stores, and economic challenges during the Great Recession.
How has the community contributed to the success of Ayers Leather Shop?
The positive and supportive community has been crucial in the business’s longevity, contributing to its identity and customer loyalty.
Ayers Leather Shop Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1950 |
| Current Owner | Deb Ayers |
| Unique Services | Travel repairs (only in South Carolina) |
| Community Support | Strong local connections and customer loyalty |
| Challenges Faced | Eviction threats, competition, economic downturns |
| Future Aspirations | 100th anniversary celebration |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Greenville’s Oldest Merchant Celebrates 75 Years
- Wikipedia: Ayers Leather Shop
- Upstate Business Journal: Ayers Leather Shop Celebrates 70 Years
- Google Search: Ayers Leather Shop Greenville
- Post and Courier: Greenville Leather Goods Shop Relocates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville, South Carolina
- Greenville Online: Ayers Leather Shop Faces Eviction
- Google News: Ayers Leather Shop
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
