At the age of 74 Hillcrest’s oldest businessman has a contagious smile, nine grandchildren and a remarkable set of bushy eyebrows…yet after 54 years he still repairs luggage in the back of his store. Amazingly, the namesake for John’s Fifth Avenue Luggage also finds time to garden and play the links at Singing Hills Golf Course. John Balistreri is a Hillcrest icon with a strong work ethic and a loyalty to customers and employees that has contributed to his great success.
The Italian native emigrated from Sicily in 1950 and lived/worked downtown before securing a job at Foster Shoe Repair near the corner of Fifth and University. Three years later Mr. Foster sold the business to the young Balistreri who continued to work six days a week in the space now home to Alexis’ Greek Restaurant. Looking for a way to increase revenues and provide a better life for his family, he began selling luggage. He soon realized the profit was much greater (and easier) than spending all day with repairs.
John seized the new opportunity and grabbed on with gusto. He expanded his space next door to 3849 Fifth Avenue (now Flashbacks) and the first John’s Fifth Avenue Luggage came into being. The large storefront windows showcased a wide array of quality cases. John also added locations to Fashion Valley (his son-in-law Jon Cantwell has been the manager since 1982), North County Fair and University Town Center malls. Hillcrest rents grew with the community, so in 1991 Balistreri purchased 3833 Fourth Avenue and moved one street to the west. Since then John’s Fifth Avenue has been located on Fourth! It may be the brunt of jokes or confusion, but the shop has free parking, a rarity in Hillcrest, and his customers love it. Next time you are strolling through the neighborhood, stop in and enjoy the wide assortment of traveling accessories, and say hi to John’s longtime employee Simon Luna who continues to work on repairs just as he has since 1968.
