Amazon hailed as saviour of US-made leathergoods company
US-based leather jacket brand Reed Leather has unveiled its latest collection of coats, biker wear and accessories, featuring “buttery-soft leathers that are as durable as they are luxurious”.
Reed Leather’s story began in 1950, when Holocaust survivors Mr Silver and Mr Reed arrived in Detroit with a vision to build a better life. Starting in a basement workshop with their wives, they turned their leatherworking expertise into a flourishing business. Their first big break came when a buyer placed an order for 300 jackets.
Reed grew to supply leather jackets to over 11,000 retailers at its peak, running two full-scale factories and employing hundreds of workers.
However, the rise of fast fashion and economic turbulence in the early 2000s posed significant challenges for Reed. Determined to preserve the company’s Detroit roots, CEO Nati Mazor partnered Amazon to connect directly with customers. The company downsized operations but kept some of its manufacturing in Detroit, whilst other products are imported to reduce the pricepoints.
“Amazon gave us the platform to showcase our products to a global audience while staying true to who we are,” said CEO Nati Mazor. “Buying leather online is not easy, you need a lot of trust. I think Amazon gave us that trust so that customers felt confident. It’s allowed us to grow without losing our soul or our commitment to Detroit.”
