
It’s hard not to think of Al Stohlman, the legendary leather artisan whose hands could turn cowhide into poetry, when pondering the latest chapter in Tandy Leather’s storied history. This Fort Worth icon, a name that’s been synonymous with leatherworking for over a century, is ready to turn the page.
Tandy Leather Factory Inc., the North Texas retailer and leatherworking lifeline for crafters across the globe, announced a $26.5 million deal to sell its Fort Worth headquarters to Colonna Brothers Inc., a New Jersey-based food distributor. The sale includes not only Tandy’s corporate offices but also its flagship store and primary distribution center. For a company rooted in tradition, this is nothing short of a seismic shift.
The move isn’t immediate.
Tandy plans to lease the facilities back through September 2025, giving it time to find the perfect new digs — ones that will stay true to its Fort Worth roots. As chairman Jeff Gramm put it, “Tandy Leather has been a 100-year fixture in Fort Worth, and we are actively evaluating spaces in the area for our new headquarters and flagship store.”
The deal, expected to close in January 2025, is part of Tandy’s strategy to boost shareholder value. After taxes, transaction costs, and the expenses of relocation, some of the proceeds are set to flow back to investors as dividends, according to a release. News of the sale sent Tandy’s stock soaring over 20% the Monday (Dec. 6 to be exact) following the announcement, a rare bright spot after a tough third quarter marked by a 1% dip in sales and an operating loss.
Tandy’s decision to sell its headquarters reflects broader trends in Fort Worth’s business community. The city has seen longtime names like Dickies move their headquarters elsewhere, underscoring the challenges of staying competitive in a changing economic landscape.
Founded in 1919, Tandy Leather isn’t just a retailer; it’s a cultural institution. With 99 stores across North America and a loyal customer base that spans hobbyists and professional leatherworkers, Tandy has cultivated an enduring legacy. Much of this is thanks to figures like Stohlman, the artisan whose tools and techniques revolutionized leathercrafting.
For Tandy, this move isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about securing a future where its craftsmanship can continue to thrive. For Colonna Brothers Inc., this deal marks a bold step into Texas real estate. Known for their food distribution business, the acquisition signals their expansion aspirations, adding a new layer of intrigue to the transaction.
Perhaps Tandy’s next chapter will help the company find a way to honor its past while carving out a future as timeless as the leather it’s built its name on.
Gramm added, "... we are happy to be close to accomplishing this goal."