A Legacy of Quality and Service

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 man standing inside a cowboy boot store holding two cowboy boots, one in each hand. The shelves behind him are filled with various styles and colors of cowboy boots.

Meet Karen Briley:

A Fashion Enthusiast with an Eye for Trends

At Schafer's, we stay ahead of the curve by observing trends in both the western and fashion industries. Our dedicated team, led by Karen Briley, continually seeks new product lines that reflect the latest styles and influences. With over 24 years of experience, Karen and the Schafer Leather team are thrilled to assist you in finding the perfect items to enhance your unique style. Let us know how we can be of help.

A woman with long blond hair wearing a black leather jacket and smiling, stands in front of a jewelry display in a store with wooden walls. The display features various necklaces, earrings, and bracelets on wooden and card display stands. There is a sign that reads 'Need Assistance? We are here to help' among the jewelry items.

A Rich History Spanning Over 156 Years

Black and white historical photo of three men standing on steps in front of a wooden building with flags and hanging fabric. The men are identified as Louis Schafer, Adam Schafer, and Louis Peter Schafer.

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.

Black and white photograph of Louis Schafer, a man in formal clothing, sitting in an ornate chair next to a window with curtains. Overlaid text indicates his name, owner, and the years 1867-1925.
Black and white portrait of Louis Peter Schafer, a man with a mustache and combed hair, wearing a suit, shirt, and tie. Text overlay states: "Louis Peter Schafer owner 1925-1945."
Decorative black and white design featuring ornate floral patterns with the text "Shafter Leather Store Since 1867" in the center.
An older man wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a brown apron is working with a printing machine in a cluttered workspace filled with shelves of paper and boxes. The photo has overlaid text revealing his name as Robert Louis Schafer, owner, with dates 1945-1968.
A man in a dark short-sleeved button-up shirt standing in a room with wood-paneled walls. There is a wooden counter and shelves with books and dishes in the background. The text overlay reads: "Robert Louis Schafer, Jr. Owner 1968-1994."
A man smiling and holding two pairs of cowboy boots inside a store with shelves full of cowboy boots in the background.

Fly Through the Doorstep of Tradition at Schafer Leather Store in Marietta, Ohio

Experience the captivating charm of Schafer Leather Store through this breathtaking fly-through video. Starting high above Front Street in Marietta, Ohio, where the Muskingum River meets the Ohio River, the drone gracefully takes you on a journey to the store's doorstep at 140 Front St. Witness the stunning views of the historic Harmar Bridge and immerse yourself in the rich local culture. Step inside to explore an impressive collection of wallets, belt buckles, jewelry, purses, cowboy hats, and an array of unique boots. Discover the tradition of old-world service and visit Schafer Leather Store to experience the true essence of Marietta's local heritage firsthand.

Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in the local culture and shop at Schafer Leather Store. Plan your visit today and embark on a memorable journey through the treasures of Marietta, Ohio.