Family business maintains leather craft tradition in Barcelona

Francesc and Robert Garcia manage a leather and supplies shop in Barcelona that has operated for over 80 years.

The business, Pells i Fornitures José M. Garcia, began in 1941 when Josep Maria Garcia opened it as a warehouse for shoemaking leather. The current owners represent the third generation of the family to run the store, which provides materials for bags, belts, and wallets.

The brothers serve a diverse clientele, including film producers seeking costume materials, nautical enthusiasts buying specialized hardware, and fashion students. While the shop sells directly to the public, it also functions as a distributor for designers and artisans. The owners emphasize that they do not manufacture the finished goods themselves but instead focus on providing high-quality materials and expert advice to help customers create or repair items.

The brothers note that the craft of leatherwork faces a shortage of new workers because the trade is rarely passed down between parents and children today. Despite this, they see many young fashion students who are interested in design and artisanal techniques. They also highlight a growing trend toward repairing old items rather than replacing them, which benefits their specialized inventory of zippers, buckles, and straps.