Our Story

Meet Rob Schafer:

The Face Behind Schafer Leather

Hi, I'm Rob, the 5th generation owner of Schafer Leather Store. My passion lies in creating an unforgettable shopping experience for our customers, ensuring great merchandise and fantastic service. Our mission is to make you a happy customer who keeps coming back. Enjoy your shopping journey with us!

A Rich History Spanning Over 156 Years

Since 1867, Schafer Leather Store has been serving the Mid-Ohio Valley as a trusted destination for all your leather, boots, apparel, and jewelry needs. Our rich history and commitment to quality have made us a one-stop shop for over 150 years.

It all began with brothers Adam and Louis Schafer, who established the store as a harness shop in a frame building at 140 Front Street. Over time, the business grew and evolved under the guidance of different generations:

Louis Schafer (1st Generation):

• Became sole owner in 1895.

• Assisted by his two sons, Louis Peter and Frank.

1. Louis Peter Schafer (2nd Generation):

   • Took over the business in 1925.

2. Robert Louis Schafer (3rd Generation):

   • Became sole owner in 1945.

   • Expanded the merchandise to include luggage, trunks, and handbags.

3. Robert Louis Schafer Jr. (4th Generation):

   • Partnered with his father in 1957 and became sole owner in 1968.

   • Expanded the product diversity by adding western clothing and boots.

   • Purchased 142 Front St. in 1975 to accommodate the growing business.

4. Robert Howard Schafer (5th Generation, Current Owner):

   • Joined the store in the 1960s and obtained the business in 1994.

   • Brining Schafer Leather into the age of modern technology. Digital inventory with streamlined POS systems , social media accounts and website development

   • Continuously identifying new avenues to communicate with and reach new customers.

Throughout the years, Schafer Leather Store has weathered major floods and embraced changing times. Our store has evolved to offer a diverse range of products, from jewelry, handbags, and small leather goods to clothing, hats, gifts, and boots. We have witnessed the evolution of communication, from the telegraph to television, cell phones, and now social media.

We pride ourselves on knowing our customers and their needs. Each generation of Schafer's has catered to the changing times and needs of the Marietta community. Today, we continue to uphold our legacy of quality merchandise, fantastic service, and a memorable shopping experience.

Discover the enduring charm of Schafer Leather and become a part of our storied history. Visit our store and immerse yourself in the rich heritage that has made us a beloved local institution for over a century and a half.