Best Places to Buy Leather

Products like leather wallets, belts, purses and other accessories are always in demand and in fashion. Buying good quality leather is very important. Here are a few tips before we explore some of the best places to buy leather in India and abroad. The thumb rule for buying good leather is – if it looks good, feels good and also smells good, you have a great leather product!

• Always feel the leather. The softer the leather the more expensive it is likely to be.
• Look at the texture of the product. Real leather resists aberration.  Imitation leather has an embossed surface to give the look of real leather.
• Leather needs good care. Make sure you find out if there is a specific cleanser for the product you buy to give it the ‘always new’ look.

Agra

Tourists flock to Agra to see the majestic Taj Mahal but did you know it is a great place to buy leather goods also? The Government Leather Institute is located in Agra and so is Asia’s largest shoe manufacturing industry. Products like belts, gloves, footwear, bags and jackets are widely available in Agra.

Sadar Bazaar is the most popular and highly reputed market to buy leather items. It is in close proximity to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and the Agra Cantt Railway Station as well. The market opens at 11 am and closes as late as 11 pm. The market is closed on Tuesday.The streets are filled with locals and foreigners looking for great bargains on leather goods. Some of the best places to buy leather here is on Munro Road, Kinari Bazaar, the Gangotri Emporium and the Shilapagram Crafts Village.

Kanpur

Kanpur, known as the ‘Leather City’, has some of the finest and largest tanneries in the country. It all started in the 19^th Century when the East India Company stationed its army here to watch over the surrounding areas. The then demand for leather products like boots, harnesses and saddles started several small businesses, making it an organised leather production centre.

In Kanpur, head straight to Meston Road at the Bada Chauraha to buy shoes, slippers, sandals, belts, purses, briefcases and other leather accessories.

Mumbai

The movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ was based in Dharavi in Mumbai, Asia’s biggest slum. But what people may not know is that the area is also synonymous with a thriving leather industry. More than 120 shops sell genuine leather goods made in the estimated 5,000 leather workshops in the region.  You will find the latest designs in handbags, jackets, belts and wallets. Since there are no middle men involved, prices are very reasonable but there is always room to bargain! Shopkeepers keep up with the latest designs and colours and keep updating them as per current trends. One thing you can be sure about is that you will find the same standard of products as any other high-end leather shops in India.

Udaipur

Udaipur has a traditional and unique craft of making bags, wallets, footwear and accessories from camel leather. One of the best places to buy leather here is at the vibrant and buzzing Bada Bazaar. Prices are very reasonable to make one go on a spree. The market normally opens from 9.30 am till 5.30 pm. If you are short for time, Rajasthali is also a great one-stop shop to pick up leather items.

Florence

Top quality leather has been tanned and processed in Florence for centuries. Handbags, jackets, travel bags and accessories made of the finest leather are sown  by skilled craftsmen who are heirs to a long standing tradition. The Scuola del Cuoio, the world renowned leather school, is located in Florence. You can pick up a souvenir in town but head to the less expensive outlet mall on the outskirts of the city where you will find great discounts on well-known brands like Gucci and Prada. In the city, visit the many small shops around the Santa Croce Church and the San Lorenzo market to find some exquisite leather items. Remember to brush up your bargaining skills to get every penny’s worth!

Barcelona

Leather goods have been one of Barcelona’s traditional specialities for ages and you will find many shops offering excellent bargains on leatherwear and shoes. Whether you buy your leather items from the oldest and best shop, Kostoria, near the Cathedral or at high-end stores like Loewe or from the leather hawkers on La Rambla, you are always assured good quality. Barcelona is renowned for its vibrant design culture and expertise in design.

The markets are normally open from 10 am to 8.30 pm, Monday through Saturday but do take a long break between 2 pm and 5 pm. However, this may differ from shop to shop. Some may decide to take Monday morning off or just have a longer siesta one afternoon but all this adds to the retro feel of Barcelona!

South Korea

South Korea’s Itaewon district is full of custom tailors and high fashion leather boutiques offering fabulous discounts. Bring your own design or go through umpteen catalogues and have a leather jacket or suit custom tailored within 24 hours! You will come across names of shops like Mama Bag, Baby Hunt and Friend Shop. These may sound funny but they are just literal translations from Korean to English! On the main street, you will also find plenty of vendors selling ready-made leather garments at throwaway prices. You can get branded stuff at way less than half price. Imitations of Prada, Louis Vuitton and other famous brands are also available here so come well prepared with what you need customised so you don’t miss this fantastic chance!

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires leather district spans across three areas - Florida and Corrientes (in the downtown area), Murillo and Scalabrini Orbitz (near Palermo) and San Jose and Belgrano (in the neighbourhood of Monserrat). You will see a wide variety of pricing and quality in leather so feel free to bargain and get the best deal. If you have foreign currency, it could be your trump card for further negotiation!

On the cheaper side, there is Villa Crespo wherein the street of Murillo is brimming with leather outlet stores. There are many outlet stores in the league of Lacoste and Penguin where you are sure to find great stuff.

So the next time you are visiting any of these places, don’t forget to indulge yourself in fashionable leather products that catch your fancy!