US firm Tandy Leather opens second UK store at Manchester’s Lime Square

US firm Tandy Leather opens second UK store at Manchester’s Lime Square

20 October 2015

 
The successful American leather craft specialist Tandy Leather has chosen east Manchester’s Lime Square for its first store in the north of England.

The US firm opened its first UK outlet in Northampton seven years ago and the company has now set its sights on the north of the country with a new multi-channel base at the Openshaw shopping centre, which is due to open at the end of the month.

Tandy has a headquarters in Fort Worth in Texas and was founded in 1919. As well as having a strong customer base for its high quality accessories and crafting items, the company also supplies to the trade.

Product lines include the raw materials to make leather items including belts, phone cases and handbags. The company also stocks leatherworking tools and buckles as well as leather dyes and finishes and saddle and tack hardware.

The new Tandy store and showroom at Lime Square covers 3,950 sq. ft. and will be headed by store manager Brendon Sutherland who will also run the company’s online sales from the east Manchester base.  Three new members of staff have also been taken on.

Tandy already has a strong customer base of leather crafters across the UK as well as fans of Larping - Live Action Role Play – who create and make their own costumes.

Brendon said: “We are delighted to be opening our new store here at Lime Square, this is a fantastic location for Tandy Leather in the UK. Although this is our second store in the UK it will be the first full retail outlet which will be a real destination for our customers in this part of the UK.

“Leather crafting is something which is really growing and we’ll be planning regular demonstrations and workshops at the new Lime Square store.”

Events are planned on October 30th and 31st to mark the store’s opening with workshops over the two days being run by the award winning American leatherworker Jim Linnell.

Management surveyor for Dransfield Properties, which owns and manages Lime Square, James Shepherd, said: “It is great news that Tandy Leather has chosen Lime Square for its second UK store as part of the company’s European expansion plans.

“The new store brings something completely new and different in the area and we wish Brendon and his team all the very best with the opening later this month.”

For more information about Tandy Leather visit www.tandyleather.eu and to keep up to date with events and news at Lime Square visit www.lime-sq.co.uk

For further information, contact:

Public Relations Department, Dransfield Properties Ltd
Tel: 01226 360644
Email: pr@dransfield.co.uk