Mark Cross opens its first U.S. store in decades

America’s oldest luxury leather goods brand has returned to the U.S. retail scene.

Upscale handbag and accessories company Mark Cross has opened its first retail location since the 1990s, on Madison Avenue in New York City. The space is connected to a neighboring boutique, natural beauty and wellness brand Naturopathica. (Mark Cross closed all its stores in the late 1990s, and was revived under new owners in 2011.)

The opening of the store represents a significant shift in the brand's overall retail strategy, which has been focused on wholesale and e-commerce. The physical location gives Mark Cross the opportunity to directly connect with their clientele in New York, along with their international consumer, strengthening the first-hand relationships with both existing and new customers, the company said.

"This is a new chapter within our consumer-centric strategy, and one that allows us to serve our customer in the best possible way – both online and offline,” said Ulrik Garde Due, president and CEO, Mark Cross.” We see this as a pivotal moment for Mark Cross and a clear indication of our ability to be at the forefront of the constantly evolving retail marketplace."

The space embodies Mark Cross' rich heritage in the arts and culture with a modern, relevant spin, looking to re-engage its core customer as well as target a new audience in touch with the current art and fashion scene. The store highlights emerging artists through its "Artist in Residence" program, while paying homage to former owners, the Murphys. Founded in 1845 as a saddlery in Boston, Mark Cross rose to prominence in the early 20th century when the couple moved the company to New York and expanded its range of products.