Middletown leather goods store to open on Small Business Saturday

In about four years, Flores Leather Works has grown from a hobby, to a part-time storefront at Pendleton Art Center, to a full-time business, said Eber Flores, who co-owns the retailer with wife Rebekah.

The company sells homemade leather goods such as holsters, belts, bags, wallets and jewelry.

Originally, Eber wanted something nice made from leather but it was too expensive. After research and practice, a hobby became a home business until it evolved into something more.

After moving into Pendleton in downtown Middletown earlier this year, the business has already outgrown the space and needed more room to fit workshop equipment, Flores said. Now, Franklin residents Eber and Rebekah are opening their own storefront at 1050 Central Avenue with a grand opening on Small Business Saturday.

What sets the local business apart is its custom, high-end, but affordable products, Eber said.

“We offer a product that will last a lifetime, so if you get a gift from us, it’s a gift someone can keep for a very long-time,” he said.

Grand opening hours Saturday are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. After that, regular hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays to Fridays. Additional weekend hours will be added following the holidays, he said.

In addition to the new Middletown store, shoppers can also buy Flores Leather Works items at Liberty Center store Celebrate Local.

For more information, go online to www.floresleatherworks.com/

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