Shoe Repair Shop Kicked Out of Binghamton Plaza After 54 Years

It really is the end of an era for a Binghamton Plaza business that's been operated by a husband and wife team for more than five decades.

The Leather Corner Shoe Repair shop has ended operations at the once-vibrant retail and office complex on the city's North Side.

Binghamton economic development director Sarah Glose in January notified Timothy and Philomena Harris, the business owners, that their lease would be terminated. The move followed eminent domain proceedings against the owners of the plaza on West State Street.

The city took ownership of the property two months ago. The Harrises told WNBF News they must be out of their space in the plaza by this Friday.

Thousands of customers have been served by the Leather Corner Shoe Repair shop since it opened at the site in October 1972. Before that, the space had been occupied for several years by Ye Olde Cobbler Shoppe.

Tim Harris said they considered renting another place for the business but opted against it. Instead, they'll set up shop in the basement of their Binghamton home.

Philomena Harris was philosophical Tuesday as she reminisced about the last 54 years. She said: "Well, the way I look at it is, we've had a good run."

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Leather Corner Shoe Repair owners Timothy and Philomena Harris spoke inside their shop on May 12, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.