GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Embracing the smell of fresh leather and conversations with customers turned to friends are a few key factors in an Upstate family business's 75 years of success, according to its generational owner, Deb Ayers.

Ayers Leather Shop, a hidden gem located on North Street in Greenville, started with pocket change and a corner store in 1950.

"A whopping $13.50 in 1950 is what it cost to open up," Deb's son, Payton, said, holding up the mom-and-pop leather shop's first business license.

It grew to be what Deb calls downtown's "oldest merchant."

Wednesday was their 75th anniversary. The shop was decorated with shiny golden signs, accompanied by grandmother's fruit punch recipe and an array of snacks.

Flower deliveries and hugs from visitors and nearby storefronts graced De

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