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Tandy Leather Factory, Inc. is an American specialty retailer and wholesale distributor of leather and leatherwork related products. It operates more than 100 stores worldwide.[3] Originally part of the Tandy Corporation, Tandy Leather has gone through a series of acquisitions and mergers, eventually being sold to The Leather Factory in 2000.[4] The Tandy Leather flagship store next to their corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas also houses the Al and Ann Stohlman Leathercraft Museum.[5]

Key Information

Origin

[edit]
Tandy Leather store in Eugene, Oregon

Tandy Leather began as a family-owned leather goods company based in Fort Worth, Texas in 1919.[6] Norton Hinckley and Dave L. Tandy partnered to start the Hinckley-Tandy Leather Company and concentrated their efforts on selling sole leather and other supplies to shoe repair dealers in Texas. During World War II, civilian leather rationing prompted the company to move towards leatherworking as a hobby, which gave the company supply priority by providing for the armed forces.[7]

Tandy's son, Charles joined the business after returning from the war in 1948. He had been tracking the growth of leathercraft through correspondence with his father and wanted to put more focus on this industry. Among his first moves was the opening of the first two retail stores in 1950 specializing exclusively in leathercraft. Norton Hinckley did not agree with the transition and the founders came to an agreement where the company split and Hinckley would continue in the shoe findings industry.[8]

Tandy Leather relied heavily on its formula of mail order sales, however the venture made a 100 percent return on investment the first year. Tandy had $2.9 million in sales and opened 15 stores within the first two years. The following decade was filled with rapid growth through the continuous opening of new stores and the acquisition of other handicraft companies. By 1961, Tandy Leather was operating 125 stores in 105 cities of the United States and Canada and the company name was changed to Tandy Corporation.[6] In 1963, Tandy Corporation acquired management control of the Radio Shack Corporation and, after two years, Charles Tandy had turned the company's $4 million loss into a profit. During that time of recovery, the Tandy Corporation purchased common stock until they owned 85% of the outstanding Radio Shack common stock.[8]

In 1975, the Tandy Corporation Board of Directors announced a plan to separate Tandy's businesses into three distinct publicly held companies. The two new companies would be named Tandycrafts, Inc. and Tex Tan-Hickok, Inc. This plan was publicized as a strategy to provide intensive leadership and tailored management of the three distinct and diverse businesses of the company. With this transition, Radio Shack and Tandy Leather Company were no longer under the same corporate umbrella.[6]

The beginning of The Leather Factory

[edit]

Wray Thompson was promoted to President of Tandy Leather Company in 1976 and Dave Ferrill was promoted to the position of National Sales Manager; they oversaw 288 stores. Ron Morgan was promoted to the Eastern Divisional VP in 1977. Although they opened their 300th store that year, the popularity of Nature-Tand's products had begun to slide as reflected by their sales and profit records. Charles Tandy died unexpectedly on November 4, 1978, at the age of 60. Concurrently, key stakeholders began to question the direction of the company and Wray Thompson resigned from his position as president.[4]

Wray Thompson's future in the leathercraft industry was uncertain, however Ron Morgan paid Wray Thompson a visit and the two colleagues began to brainstorm; before the evening was over, they had developed an informal plan for a shared new enterprise in the leathercraft industry.

Initially three separate companies were set up:[4]

  • Midas Leathercraft Tool Company, Inc. – an importer/exporter of New Zealand made tools
  • MT Enterprises – a partnership engaged in finding and developing customers to consult in the leathercraft industry
  • Midas Leathercraft – a retail leathercraft store similar to that of a Tandy store, where the partners would also office.

Shortly thereafter, the partners were contacted by the Scholze Tannery, a division of The Brown Group in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to solicit a consulting agreement to help Scholze join the leathercraft market. Wray Thompson and Ron Morgan departed for Chattanooga, TN in 1980 to set up the new company later to be known as The Leather Factory. Prior to their departure they hired Jon Thompson, Wray Thompson's oldest son, to begin the task of setting up Midas Leathercraft retail operations in Arlington, TX.[4]

With merchandise finally in Tennessee, Jon Thompson was called to Chattanooga as he had been waiting three months to open his own store as a dealer for The Leather Factory in Arlington, TX. Help in Tennessee was still sparse, so Jon Thompson pulled, packed and shipped his own store opening merchandise order before driving straight through from Tennessee to Texas before the freight truck arrived.[4]

By 1984, the manufacturer Ivan Leathercraft was producing over 1,000 items for Midas Leathercraft Tool Company, who then supplied those items to The Leather Factory and others. They had opened six stores and named George Hurst, long-time associate and ex-merchandising manager for Tandy, General Manager of The Leather Factory.[4] Regardless of their mounting success, the Brown Group decided to sell off or close down all companies that were under $100 million annually, unprofitable or non-shoe related. The Leather Factory, consisting of six locations, was offered for sale.[4]

Midas Leathercraft purchases assets of The Leather Factory

[edit]

Through Midas Leathercraft Tool Company, the partners purchased the assets of The Leather Factory in January 1985. Midas, with just over $200,000 in assets, took on a debt of just under $1.2 million for the asset purchase of the company. Two of the six managers chose not to gamble on new owners, so Wray Thompson called on former Tandy Leather Regional Manager Clyde Angus and his son, Mark, who had run the family's western store in Pennsylvania.[4]

The Leather Factory introduced their wholesale club in 1986. Membership fees were allocated to the advertising budget which allowed the company to produce more mailing pieces and sales. By 1989, they had moved their warehouse and factory from Chattanooga to Fort Worth, TX and opened their twelfth location.[4]

By 1991, The Leather Factory had acquired American Leather Company and fourteen stores were open.[9] Wray Thompson and Ron Morgan promoted from within to free them up from day to day buying and selling. Jon Thompson was put in charge of operations and Mark Angus, The Leather Factory leader in sales gains and profits, was promoted to Sales Manager and relocated to Ft. Worth.[4] Greg Sartor, former President of ST Leather, was hired as the Craft Sales Manager. In 1993, The Leather Factory went public via a reverse merger on the American Stock exchange[10] and five new Vice Presidents were named: Jon Thompson, Dave Ferrill, Mark Angus, Greg Sartor and Robin Myers Morgan.[4]

TLF purchases Tandy Leather Company

[edit]

In 1999, Tandy Leather Company closed all of its sales units and became solely a mail order/internet marketer.[11] On November 30, 2000, The Leather Factory purchased the operating assets of Tandy Leather Company.[4] Shannon Greene, who joined the company in 1997 as controller, was named Chief Financial Officer[12] and The Leather Factory hired Jim Linnell to develop and lead a new chain of Tandy Leather stores.[13]

In 2005, The Leather Factory name was officially changed to Tandy Leather Factory. CEO Wray Thompson stated

Tandy Leather Company, founded by Charles Tandy and his father, was the first U.S. company dedicated to leathercraft. As such, we believe that Tandy’s name recognition is the best in the industry. On the other hand, The Leather Factory has provided over twenty years of stability and predictability that enabled us to purchase Tandy Leather Company several years ago. In order to accurately reflect the long-term stability of The Leather Factory while at the same time promote the name recognition of Tandy Leather Company, it makes sense to change our corporate name to Tandy Leather Factory, Inc.

— Wray Thompson, CEO[14]

In 2006, Wray Thompson retired after nearly 50 years in the industry - having been president of Tandy Leather with 21 years of service and co-founder of The Leather Factory over 27 years. Ron Morgan, the company's president since 2001, was appointed the new CEO.[4]

Ron Morgan and Robin Myers Morgan both retired in 2009, with 40 and 39 years in the industry. Jon Thompson, the company's President and Chief Operating Officer, was named CEO of Tandy Leather Factory. Other executives include Mark Angus as Senior Vice President and Shannon Greene as Chief Financial Officer.[15][16]

In 2012, Tandy opened a second European location in Cadiz, Spain.[17] International markets were expanded further in 2011 with the opening of the first Australian combination wholesale/retail store in Minto, just outside Sydney.[18] In 2013, Tandy opened its Flagship store next to the headquarters and Bob Moore Construction was awarded the TEXO/AGC Distinguished Building Award for the design of the glass building that can be seen from the nearby Interstate 20.[19] The Al and Ann Stohlman Museum has been moved to the lobby of the Tandy Leather Factory headquarters.[20]

[edit]

In the lobby of the Tandy Leather corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, there is a public museum and art gallery featuring historic pieces of leather art, including the Al and Ann Stohlman Collection. Other artists' work on exhibit include Ken Griffin, George Hurst, Jim Linnell, Al Shelton, Christine Stanley, and others.[21]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tandy Leather Factory

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from Grokipedia
Tandy Leather Factory is an American specialty retailer of leathercraft supplies, including leather hides, tools, hardware, dyes, finishes, and DIY kits, headquartered in . Founded in 1919 by Norton Hinckley and Dave L. Tandy as the Hinckley-Tandy Leather Company, it initially supplied and accessories to shoe repair shops in Fort Worth. In 1950, following a split from Hinckley, the company reorganized as Tandy Leather Company and shifted its focus to hobbyist leathercrafting, introducing catalogs and expanding retail operations in the post-World War II era. By the 1960s, it became part of the larger Tandy Corporation, which also owned RadioShack, but separated to operate independently and went public in 1975. Today, Tandy Leather Factory is recognized as the world's largest specialty retailer in the leathercraft industry, operating over 100 stores across the United States and Canada, one location in Spain, and a robust online platform. Under CEO Johan Hedberg, appointed in January 2025, the company continues to innovate with new flagship stores and expanded facilities to serve crafters from beginners to professionals.

History

Founding and Early Years (1919–1949)

The Hinckley-Tandy Leather Company was founded in 1919 in , by Norton Hinckley and Dave L. Tandy, who had previously worked together in the leather trade and decided to start their own business supplying shoe repair materials, including soles, heels, and laces, primarily to cobblers and repair shops. The partners capitalized on the growing demand in the region's burgeoning economy, with Tandy focusing on sales and customer relations while Hinckley managed inventory and operations from a small storefront on . By 1923, the business had expanded to a larger location on West 11th and Throckmorton streets, reflecting steady growth tied to Texas's and the need for durable leather goods. The company's early business model centered on wholesale and retail distribution of basic products and tools for practical applications, such as repairs and saddlery, serving local tradespeople and small manufacturers in the Southwest. In 1927, it opened a branch in Beaumont to tap into eastern markets, further diversifying its . However, the posed significant challenges, forcing the closure of the Beaumont location and straining finances amid reduced consumer spending on non-essential repairs. The firm survived this period through resourceful negotiations with suppliers for extended payment terms and Tandy's persistent sales efforts, which emphasized optimism and reliability to retain customers during economic hardship. By the late , annual sales had stabilized at modest levels, allowing the company to maintain a small network of stores and mail-order operations. World War II brought further difficulties with severe leather shortages, as most available supplies were diverted to military use starting in , drastically limiting civilian access and nearly halting shoe repair operations due to that restricted adults to just two pairs of shoes per year. In response, the company pivoted toward leathercraft supplies, driven by demand from and hobbyists, particularly through therapeutic programs in hospitals and rehabilitation centers for injured soldiers, where leatherworking served as a morale-boosting activity. This shift involved providing specialty leathers and tools for crafting items like wallets and belts, helping the business adapt to wartime constraints while laying the groundwork for post-war hobbyist markets. By 1949, these adaptations had positioned the company for broader retail expansion beyond traditional repairs.

Expansion under Tandy Corporation (1950–1999)

In 1948, Charles Tandy, son of the company's founder Dave Tandy, joined the family business after serving in , bringing fresh energy to shift the focus from wholesale leather supplies to retail opportunities targeting hobbyists. Under his leadership, the company opened its first two dedicated leathercraft retail stores in Fort Worth and in May 1950, marking the beginning of a model that emphasized affordable tools, kits, and materials for do-it-yourself projects. This move capitalized on the post-war economic boom, when interest in home crafts surged among returning veterans and families seeking recreational activities. The company was formally reorganized as Tandy Leather Company in 1950, separating from its original Hinckley-Tandy Leather partnership to enable faster expansion. By 1955, a merger with American Hide and Leather Company positioned Tandy Leather as a key subsidiary under the new parent entity, initially named Tandy Industries, which provided capital for further growth. Expansion accelerated through aggressive mail-order catalogs that reached thousands of customers, promoting leathercraft as an accessible hobby with step-by-step instructions and pre-cut kits for items like wallets and belts; these catalogs, advertised in magazines such as Popular Science, drove store openings in high-response areas. In-store classes further engaged customers, teaching basic techniques and fostering community interest in leatherworking during the 1950s hobbyist surge. By 1961, following the parent company's incorporation as Tandy Corporation, the leather division operated 125 stores across 105 cities in the United States and Canada, solidifying its retail footprint. As diversified into consumer electronics in the 1960s, acquiring the struggling chain in 1963 to create a major retail arm, the leathercraft division remained a foundational pillar, continuing to supply ist kits, specialized tools, and educational resources. This integration allowed shared infrastructure and marketing synergies, yet leather operations preserved their focus on craft enthusiasts, with ongoing catalog innovations and classes adapting to evolving DIY trends through the and . By the , amid 's broader electronics emphasis, the leather segment sustained steady growth as a niche but enduring market, contributing to the conglomerate's diversified portfolio until Charles Tandy's death in 1978.

Acquisition of Assets and Independence (2000–2005)

In 1980, two former executives of , J. Wray Thompson and Ronald C. Morgan, founded Midas Leathercraft Tool Company as a corporation to distribute leathercraft tools and supplies, marking the beginning of an independent venture in the leathercraft sector outside the broader Tandy organization. The company initially operated from , importing tools from and securing initial business financing to establish its wholesale distribution model. By 1985, Midas Leathercraft Tool Company had grown its operations and acquired the assets of The Leather Factory from Brown Group, Inc., which included six wholesale distribution centers, significantly expanding its footprint in the leather supply market. This acquisition integrated established retail and distribution channels, allowing the company to scale its offerings of goods and tools. Continued expansion followed, with the business rebranding as The Leather Factory, Inc., and going public in 1993 through a reverse merger, followed by reincorporation in in 1994; by the late 1990s, it operated a network of wholesale centers across the and entered the Canadian market in 1996 by acquiring its distributor there. A key milestone toward independence occurred on November 30, 2000, when The Leather Factory acquired the operating assets of Tandy Leather Company from subsidiaries of Tandycrafts, Inc. (formerly part of ) for an undisclosed amount, effectively separating the historic Tandy leather business from its electronics-focused parent and integrating it into the independent entity. This transaction formed a new , Tandy Leather Company, under The Leather Factory, combining complementary wholesale and emerging retail operations to create a dedicated specialty leathercraft supplier. By this point, The Leather Factory operated 27 centers in the United States and two in , providing a robust platform for the acquired assets. The culmination of these efforts came in 2005, when The Leather Factory, Inc., renamed itself Tandy Leather Factory, Inc., on May 23, solidifying its independence as a standalone focused on and leathercraft retailing. The name change leveraged the enduring brand recognition of "Tandy" while emphasizing the company's established stability in the industry.

Modern Developments and Challenges (2006–present)

In 2006, Wray Thompson retired as of Tandy Leather Factory after serving in the role since 1993 and contributing nearly 50 years to the leather industry. He was succeeded by Ronald C. Morgan, who had been President and , effective January 2007, while Thompson remained Chairman of the Board. leadership persisted through the appointment of Jon Thompson, Wray's son, as CEO in July 2009, following Morgan's retirement; Jon continued in his prior roles as President and . Under Jon Thompson's guidance, the company pursued steady expansion amid economic pressures. By the 2010s, Tandy Leather Factory had expanded to more than 100 stores worldwide, encompassing over 110 locations across and select international markets by 2015. This growth included established operations in with 10 stores across provinces such as , , and , alongside international outposts in the (Northampton in 2008 and in 2015) and (Jerez in 2012). The company navigated the , which caused a 4% sales decline and ended a nine-year growth streak, by maintaining 12 consecutive years of operating profits through cost controls and strategic openings like its first UK store, which achieved profitability in its debut year despite the downturn. Subsequent challenges included adapting to proliferation in the 2010s, where Tandy enhanced its online platform to counter competition from digital marketplaces and sustain retail relevance. The led to sales and operating income declines in 2020, while in 2024, declines were driven by macroeconomic pressures including inflation, higher interest rates, and reduced consumer due to lower government subsidies; disruptions, though resolved post-pandemic, contributed to ongoing volatility in freight costs and labor markets. Web sales remained strong following store reopenings, helping mitigate pandemic impacts, though ongoing supply issues persisted into 2021. In January 2025, was appointed CEO effective January 6, succeeding Janet Carr, who remained through March to support the transition, financial reporting, and relocation. , with over 30 years in retail leadership from roles at Group and , joined amid strategic reviews aimed at driving growth, including the sale of the Fort Worth and a shift to new facilities to optimize operations. On January 29, 2025, the company completed the sale and secured a new lease for appropriately sized facilities to support operations for the next decade, accompanied by a special to stockholders. Carr's six-year tenure had focused on product improvements and customer expansion despite economic headwinds like the crisis. In the third quarter of 2025, sales totaled $17.3 million, a 0.6% decline from $17.4 million in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting continued economic pressures.

Business Operations

Products and Supplies

Tandy Leather Factory specializes in a wide array of types essential for leathercrafting, including vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned varieties available in multiple weights, colors, and finishes. Vegetable-tanned leathers, such as the Selection Quebracho & Chestnut Mix Veg-Tan Double Shoulder (9-11 oz.), are prized for their ability to accept dyes, stains, and oils, making them ideal for and tooling projects like belts, wallets, and saddles. Chrome-tanned options, including the Designer Smooth Side (3-6 oz.) and Italian Pebble Grain Side, offer durable, finished surfaces in various hues and textures, such as smooth or pebbled, suitable for apparel and accessories. Additional types like oil-tanned Kodiak sides provide toughness for heavy-duty applications, while splits support softer items like moccasins. The company's product portfolio extends to comprehensive tools and hardware that support both novice and professional crafters, emphasizing do-it-yourself and specialized components. Stamping tools, such as the Craftool® Pebble Matting Stamp and Checked Beveler, enable intricate designs, while punches like the Japanese Heavy Duty Oblong and Round Drive models facilitate precise hole-making for stitching. Hardware includes tack essentials, such as harness needles in various sizes, and finishes like dyes and edge treatments for coloring and sealing. DIY cover projects ranging from wallets and belts to bags and sheaths, providing all necessary materials and instructions for complete builds. A of Tandy's offerings stems from the historical contributions of Al Stohlman, whose work since the has shaped leathercraft education and design. As a freelance for the company, Stohlman produced influential patterns, such as those in his "Top 20 Patterns Book" featuring 20 billfold designs and customizable alphabets, alongside comprehensive instructional books like the "Figure Carving Book," "Coloring Leather Book" (detailing cross-dyeing and shading techniques), and the "Encyclopedia of Saddlemaking" (1989). His tool designs, including the sand-cast Al Stohlman Brand® Stainless Steel Center Plate, continue to be produced and sold, providing balanced, ergonomic aids for stamping and carving that remain integral to Tandy's catalog. Tandy Leather upholds stringent sourcing and quality standards to ensure reliability, with every hide hand-inspected and sorted by size, weight, tannage consistency, and imperfections like marks or holes, earning a Quality Assurance seal for premium pieces. Sourcing prioritizes ethical practices, utilizing leather as a byproduct of the food industry to minimize waste, while promoting eco-friendly tanning methods and sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact. Custom dyeing processes, as outlined in Stohlman's instructional works, allow for precise color application through techniques like staining and brushing, supporting the creation of vibrant, long-lasting crafts.

Retail Network and International Presence

Tandy Leather Factory operates a network of 101 retail stores as of September 30, 2025, comprising 91 locations across 40 U.S. states, nine stores in six Canadian provinces, and one store in . These stores serve as primary distribution channels for leathercraft supplies, catering to both hobbyists and professional artisans through a focus on and . The company's store format emphasizes an immersive shopping experience designed to support customer learning and project development. Each location features in-store classes, including skills workshops, kit-based sessions, and custom one-on-one lessons led by staff or guest instructors, which help beginners and alike build proficiency. consultations from knowledgeable employees provide personalized advice on materials and techniques, while hands-on displays of samples, tools, and finished projects allow customers to interact directly with products before purchase. This approach fosters and positions stores as hubs for the rather than mere retail outlets. In September 2025, Tandy Leather announced plans for a new flagship store in Fort Worth's West 7th district at 2973 Crockett St., spanning 7,800 square feet and scheduled to open in 2026. The store will replace the existing Fort Worth location at 1900 S. East Loop 820, which will remain open until December 2025. Complementing its physical presence, Tandy Leather maintains a robust platform that has been operational since the early 2000s, following the company's shift to independence in 2005. The online store offers a wide selection of , tools, and kits with worldwide shipping to over 80 countries, enabling global access for customers beyond store footprints. Integration with physical locations includes options for in-store pickup of online orders and synchronized inventory to facilitate hybrid shopping experiences, blending digital convenience with in-person support. Tandy Leather's international presence remains limited but strategic, with the single store in , , representing its foothold in since its opening in 2012. Expansion efforts prioritize market adaptations, such as compliance with regulations on leather products, including framework for in dyes and finishes, and the EUDR for sustainable sourcing to avoid deforestation-linked materials. These measures ensure product offerings align with regional standards while supporting hobbyist and professional needs in diverse markets.

Corporate Affairs

Leadership and Governance

Tandy Leather Factory's leadership has evolved through key figures who shaped its transition from a division of the to an independent . Wray Thompson, a co-founder of Tandy Leather Factory in 1980, served as its Chairman and CEO until 2013, providing foundational influence on its retail operations and strategic direction after his early career with the original Tandy Leather Company starting in the . Janet Carr succeeded as CEO in 2018, acting in that role through 2025 and focusing on operational stability during her tenure as an inside director. As of January 2025, serves as CEO and director, appointed effective January 6 to succeed Carr, who remained for a transition period through March. Hedberg brings over 30 years of retail leadership experience, most recently as Chief Sales Officer for the at Group from 2021 to 2023. His appointment coincided with board changes to enhance expertise in retail and , aligning with the company's strategic needs in a competitive market. The Board of Directors, as of 2025, comprises seven members with a strong emphasis on retail operations and financial acumen. Jefferson Gramm has served as Chairman and outside director since 2014, contributing portfolio expertise from Bandera Partners LLC; Vicki Cantrell, an outside director since 2017, offers retail veteran insights as CEO of Vendors in Partnership LLC; John Gehre joined as an outside director in 2024 with strategy consulting experience from and prior executive roles at Stores; Diana Saadeh-Jajeh, outside director since 2023, provides finance leadership as EVP-CFO/COO at Ryvid, Inc., and former CFO at ; and John R. "Rocky" Sullivan, outside director since 2022, brings investment advisory background from JCP . Hedberg serves as the sole inside director. The board maintains three standing committees: (chaired by Saadeh-Jajeh, with Cantrell and Gehre), Compensation (chaired by Gramm, with Saadeh-Jajeh and Sullivan), and Nominating and Governance (chaired by Gramm, with Cantrell and Sullivan), ensuring independent oversight. Tandy Leather Factory adheres to standards as a NASDAQ-listed company (ticker: TLF), complying with federal securities laws and NASDAQ's requirements for board independence, financial expertise, and disclosure. The company holds annual shareholder meetings, such as the 2025 meeting on June 10, to discuss strategic initiatives and elect directors, with virtual access options to facilitate broad participation. These practices support transparent decision-making and alignment with shareholder interests.

Financial Performance

Tandy Leather Factory's annual has exhibited a declining trend in recent years, standing at $78.3 million in 2013 and further decreasing to $74.4 million in 2024, a 2.4% drop from $76.2 million in 2023. In the third quarter of 2025, quarterly totaled $17.3 million, reflecting a modest 0.5% year-over-year decline from $17.4 million. Profitability in the third quarter of 2025 showed challenges, with the company posting a net loss of $1.4 million, or 17 cents per diluted share, widening from a $0.1 million net loss in the prior-year period. improved to 58.9% from 57.8% year-over-year, driven by favorable product mix, while operating loss reached $0.7 million compared to $0.3 million previously. On the balance sheet as of September 30, 2025, Tandy Leather Factory maintained $12.0 million in , up from $10.0 million at the end of the prior-year quarter, supported by proceeds from the sale of its property. The company reported no significant long-term debt, underscoring a conservative financial position with total assets around $76.5 million and liabilities at $19.3 million. Key factors influencing performance include e-commerce growth, which has helped offset declines in physical store sales amid economic pressures, as well as proactive cost management initiatives implemented post-2020 to address pandemic-related disruptions and control operating expenses. In 2024, store relocations contributed to temporary retail sales weakness, while plans to enhance online channels aim to bolster future recovery.

Cultural Initiatives

The Tandy Leather Museum and Gallery is located in the lobby of the company's at 1900 SE Loop 820, Building B, in . Opened in 2013, the museum features exhibits tracing the evolution of leatherworking from traditional techniques to modern innovations, housed in a 2,200-square-foot space dedicated to preserving this craft. At the core of the collection is the Al and Ann Stohlman Collection, showcasing artifacts from the pioneering couple, including tools, patterns, instructional books, original drawings, and hand-tooled artwork dating from the 1950s onward. Highlights include Al Stohlman's intricate saddles, a custom guitar case, a golf bag, and his monumental "The Brush Popper," a 43-by-27-inch piece that took two months to complete. The collection also features early Craftool Company tool sets from 1947 and works by other artists like Elizabeth Freriks, whose hats and purses reflect mid-20th-century styles. Beyond the Stohlman focus, the museum displays historical leather pieces, saddlery from various eras, and rotating galleries featuring contemporary leather art by past Al Stohlman Achievement Award winners and other modern craftsmen, representing contributions from 18 artists overall. These exhibits chronicle over a century of leathercraft development, emphasizing hand-tooled techniques and cultural significance. Al Stohlman's innovations in patterns and tools, which influenced Tandy's product lines, are exemplified here through his personal artifacts. Visitor access is free during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with guided tours available for groups upon request. The serves as a key resource for enthusiasts, offering a tangible connection to the craft's heritage without admission fees.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Tandy Leather has provided in-store classes and workshops since the mid-20th century, beginning with the expansion of its retail model into hobby-oriented leathercraft stores in the . These sessions cover foundational skills for beginners, such as basic cutting and assembly, progressing to advanced methods including tooling and stamping for intricate designs. Offered at locations worldwide, the programs include skills-building classes, kit-based projects, and customized group events to accommodate various skill levels and interests. The company publishes and distributes a wide array of instructional materials to support self-paced learning, most notably the renowned works of Al Stohlman. These include detailed on techniques like hand , embossing, and , along with patterns and step-by-step guides that have influenced generations of leatherworkers since their introduction in the mid-20th century. Complementing print resources, Tandy's website hosts online tutorials demonstrating practical applications, from simple lacing methods to complex project assembly. Tandy fosters community through initiatives like annual leathercraft competitions, including partnerships with organizations such as Challenge America to host events for veterans that encourage creative expression and skill-sharing. The company supports artisan events globally by sponsoring guest instructor demonstrations and collaborating with creative hubs, while its in-store maker workshops provide dedicated spaces for collaborative projects. Founded by Tandy in 2018, National Leathercraft Day serves as an annual worldwide celebration, promoting leatherworking heritage and community participation through organized activities and showcases. In the digital realm, Tandy engages a global audience via its YouTube channel, which features free tutorials on essential techniques like double loop lacing and basic carving as of 2025. Social media platforms host interactive challenges tied to events like National Leathercraft Day, inviting users to share personalized leather projects and build a supportive online network of enthusiasts.

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  27. https://tandyleather.com/blogs/tandy-blog/quality-assurance-program
  28. https://tandyleather.com/blogs/tandy-blog/leathercrafting-and-sustainability-crafting-a-greener-future
  29. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/10/3185088/13063/en/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Reports-Third-Quarter-2025-Results.html
  30. https://tandyleather.com/pages/tandy-leather-classes
  31. https://tandyleather.com/blogs/tandy-blog/learn-from-the-best-guest-instructors-live-in-our-stores
  32. https://www.yelp.com/biz/tandy-leather-sacramento
  33. https://tandyleather.com/policies/shipping-policy
  34. https://tandyleather.com/pages/store-locator
  35. https://tandyleather.eu/pages/visit-us
  36. https://www.compliancegate.com/leather-products-regulations-european-union/
  37. https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/1412266
  38. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/profiles/investor/ResLibraryView.asp?ResLibraryID=60455&GoTopage=17&Category=1161&BzID=1625
  39. https://www.marketscreener.com/business-leaders/janet-carr-0GLW9R-E/biography/
  40. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/03/3004167/13063/en/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Appoints-new-CEO-Announces-Board-Changes.html
  41. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/profiles/investor/Directors.asp?BzID=1625
  42. https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/retail/nasdaq-tlf/tandy-leather-factory/management
  43. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/profiles/investor/CommitteesInfo.asp?BzID=1625&ID=637
  44. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/profiles/investor/CommitteesInfo.asp?BzID=1625&ID=638
  45. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/Corporate_Governance
  46. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909724/000114036125016819/ny20042868x1_def14a.htm
  47. https://listingcenter.nasdaq.com/rulebook/nasdaq/rules/nasdaq-5600-series
  48. https://www.macrotrends.net/stocks/charts/TLF/tandy-leather-factory/revenue
  49. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/Tandy-Leather-Factory-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2024-Results-2-26-2025
  50. https://www.stocktitan.net/news/TLF/tandy-leather-factory-reports-third-quarter-2025-27ozgo5025co.html
  51. https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/retail/nasdaq-tlf/tandy-leather-factory/health
  52. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/909724/000114036123015325/brhc10050479_10k.htm
  53. https://tandyleather.irpass.com/Tandy-Leather-Announces-2020-Annual-Meeting-of-Stockholders-on-June-2-2020
  54. https://texashighways.com/culture/handsome-hides-tandy-museum-leather-museum-fort-worth/
  55. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/tarrant-county/the-ironic-tale-of-tandy-leather-and-radioshack/287-304597978
  56. https://tandyleather.com/pages/leatherbound-legacy
  57. https://www.fortworth.com/listing/tandy-leather-museum-and-gallery/7207/
  58. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=848021648557736&id=111177125575529&set=a.117566231603285
  59. https://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/economics-magazines/tandy-corp
  60. https://tandyleather.com/blogs/leathercraft-library/the-art-of-embossing-leather-by-al-and-ann-stohlman
  61. https://tandyleather.com/collections/books
  62. https://news.va.gov/107621/leather_competition/
  63. https://tandyleather.com/pages/maker-workshop-queens-store-187
  64. https://tandyleather.com/blogs/tandy-blog/happy-national-leathercraft-day-2023
  65. https://www.instagram.com/p/DNYNTd1OhGf/
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