[Leather ・Indian jewelry] ALBUQUERQUE

For leather, “ALBUQUERQUE”

Opened in April 1992. The long-established store “ALBUQUERQUE” that has been around for about 30 years
They mainly handle leather items and Indian jewelry purchased directly from the United States. The product lineup is 80% leather items and 20% Indian jewelry. In addition to wallets, belts, buckles, card cases, etc., they also handle bags, vests, etc., and have a wide variety of product categories.

“ALBUQUERQUE” history

Mr. Chiba, the representative who originally liked horses and horse leather. He happened to hear from an acquaintance that a tenant in Ameyoko was vacant, and opened “ALBUQUERQUE”. At the time of opening, he had a love for leather, but he seemed to have almost no knowledge. Therefore, at the beginning, only the belt was handled. From there, as he explored various things about leather, he became more and more absorbed in leather and began to handle various products.

Order

The strength of “Albuquerque” is the order of leather.
About 10 dedicated leather craftsmen are enrolled, and they handle various orders including full orders. They have absolute confidence that they have never refused an order from a customer. Therefore, customers who are refused at other stores often come to the store. Albuquerque handles a wide variety of leathers such as cowhide, reptiles and crocodile, and you can choose your favorite leather by order. However, if you want leather carving, you can only dig with thicker cowhide (for leather carving). The store also has very artistic items such as leather vases with leather carving and leather boots.

Leather specialist Chiba talks about leather …

“Leather is less likely to break”

Albuquerque leather products have been around for over 10 years. Long-lasting leather goods are definitely better than buying cheap ones often. Also, the longer you use it, the darker the color and the more the taste will come out due to the nature of the leather.
Albuquerque also has a great deal of after-sales follow-up, so it can be used for a longer period of time.

“Leather is deep”

It seems that the same cowhide is completely different depending on the country, tanning method, parts, etc. When subdivided, there are dozens of types of cowhide. Various leathers are used in Albuquerque products. For example, the same belt is all made of different leather.
By the way, the buckles you want to buy with the belt are all different depending on the race that makes the product, such as Navajo, Zumi, and Hopi.
Even now, 30 years after opening the store, his quest for leather is endless.

Demonstration sales

Demonstration sales are held twice a year with GW in early December by calling craftsmen.

GW will demonstrate and sell figure carving where craftsmen from Hokkaido will come and dig up animals and favorite illustrations.
In December, craftsmen from Gunma will perform California-style leather carving, mainly with floral patterns. Many customers are looking forward to demonstration sales, and some come from afar. If you bring a photo at the time of demonstration sale and tell the image you want to make, they will consult you.
How about expressing what you want to make and what you want with leather?

Featured Products

Carrying case

Uses TFL (Taka Fine Leather). All are designed and handmade by craftsmen. They will add arrangements based on the floral pattern. Very convenient for those who put their mobile phones on their hips.

Belt

Uses UK saddle leather (cow spine leather, 5-6 mm thick). It’s a lifetime, and it’s very unlikely to break. Albuquerque original product. The leather gradually softens to suit the person, making it the best belt for you. Wide variety of colors.

Middle wallet

Uses thick cowhide. (Leather carving is possible)
There are no hooks or chucks. The more you use it, the darker the color. The color changes depending on the person’s oil and body temperature, so it becomes the person’s color. (The left is a new state. The right is a state that has been used for several years.) At first, it does not close completely, but gradually it becomes softer and closes for that person. While using it, you can add your own color, your own shape, and your own taste. In addition to middle, there are long and double folds.

For Mr.Chiba, Ameyoko means …

“There are many things that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s like a city that has defeated a department store. It sells everything except cars. There is no other city that has about 600 stores in a narrow area of 600m. The only retro shopping street in Japan . “