Our business was established in Cape Town in 1957 by George Kavnat, a leather merchant, who opened the first shop in Upper Darling Street. A few years later, Mr Kavnat brought his nephew, Trevor Jackson, into the business. Under Mr Jackson’s guidance, the business expanded, opening outlets throughout Cape Town over the years.

In 2016 Barksole merged with Kurgan Kenani Leather, the largest manufacturer of small leather goods for corporate and hospitality in South Africa, established in 1928.

Post-merger, the repair clinic has become the largest of its kind in South Africa, capable of doing repairs to more products than ever before. The Barksole HQ is now in Woodstock, together with the Kurgan Kenani Leather goods factory.

The present-day franchising structure started in 1991 and in 1993 the Bloom Group bought the business. The Bloom Group incorporated Barksole (Pty) Ltd in 1994, which widened the appeal and reach of our business, as new stores came into being.

With over 30 retail outlets now in operation, three of which are owned by the company, our business is now the largest multiple repair services chain in the Western Cape. We are a household name, recognised for the depth of our experience, efficient service from qualified and enthusiastic staff and owners, high quality materials and professional workmanship.

In tough economic times, customers prefer to repair shoes, luggage and clothes rather than replace. Customers from all walks of life and all income groups rely on our Barksole franchises to provide high quality key cutting, shoe repair, luggage repair and dry cleaning services. We offer those services, as well as a host of others, including engraving, carpet cleaning and leather cleaning.

A Barksole outlet offers a selection of the following services:

* Shoe repairs and shoe care, from resoling and stitching of uppers to total refurbishment
* Luggage and Bag Repairs
* Leather and PVC repairs
* Sports/outdoor equipment repairs
* Key Cutting. We cut all types of keys, for example security keys, car keys and regular door keys. Some Barksole franchisees offer a locksmith service.
* Engraving of trophies, corporate gifts, metal discs, 21st birthday keys and dog tags
* Personalised or standard number plates
* Dry Cleaning and Alterations
* Clothes dying
* Rubber stamps made to order
* Manufacturing fabric name tags for children’s clothing
* Copper plating of almost any item
* Carpet cleaning equipment rental

Some of these services are contracted out to agency suppliers who have been selected for the quality of their workmanship and efficient service.

We also offer the following products for sale:

* Locks
* Keyrings
* Trophies
* Rubber stamps
* Barksole branded shoe care products (including insoles, shoelaces, polish, creams and dyes)
* Remote controls
* Batteries

The typical staff compliment is the owner, cobbler (1-3 per branch), sales assistant (or family member).

The best location for a Barksole store is within a popular shopping centre, near the anchor supermarket tenant.