Our Story

"A Day in the Life" Video by Anthony Rowe Films

A warm welcome to you! We're a small family business located in the heart of Seattle's Pike Place Market. Our passion is for handcrafting stylish, custom-fit leather belts and accessories from the highest quality hides around.
Before we dive into our backstory, we wanted to take some time to recognize the divine bovine that makes our jobs possible. All jokes and cow puns aside, we hold great regard, respect and appreciation for the brave and selfless cow souls that have provided our business and humanity with sustenance and clothing throughout time.
The leather hides we source are byproducts of the meat and dairy industry so all parts of the animal are used and appreciated. We commit to honor the memories of these gracious creatures through the creation of fun, durable, custom-fit products that are built to last.
We’re delighted by regular emails from customers who’ve worn our belts for decades and even some still sporting their original purchases from 1971 (the year our business began)! Think of all the cheap faux-leather belt impostors we’ve helped keep out of landfills. 
Our commitment is to use each piece of leather we source to its fullest extent, minimizing waste and maximizing creativity! Small accessories such as leather coasters, key rings, wrist bands, hair barrettes and earrings are crafted from the remnants of belt hides so the worthy sacrifice of the animal is not in vain. Every month we donate additional leather scraps to other local makers so the animals’ gifts continue giving.

Originating in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971 as an offshoot of California’s infamous Yoga Society, we became part of a group of artists dedicated to recognizing and saving the Market’s charms for future generations. To this day local artists preserve the “Meet the Producer” ethic that has guided our business in Pike Place Market for over 100 years. Marakesh Leather has flourished in this tradition.

Our name is borrowed respectfully from the Crosby Stills & Nash song “Marrakesh Express." Marrakesh, Morocco, with its lively market places and tradition in leather-work has long been a colorful crossroads of commerce and ideas. The Pike Place Market as such is Seattle’s vibrant crossroad. As they say, "all roads lead to 1st and Pike!"

Our business is built upon our love for creativity and the energized atmosphere of Pike Place Market. We proudly endorse more cowbell in all areas of life!

Our family and leather crafting crew are dedicated to the traditions of hard work, individuality, customer engagement and creative expression through craftsmanship. Our unique aesthetic is something that cannot be found elsewhere and we take great pride in the originality of our work.

Marakesh family standing in front of booth at Pike Place Market

Happy customers return daily for the great leather and service they just can't seem to find anywhere else.

Check out our handmade leather goods here on our site or come down to Pike Place Market and visit us today! We are located just in from 1st and Pike, directly under the "Big Clock" and adjacent to the famous "flying fish" in the heart of the action.

 

 

Marakesh Leather Store Hours

Open 10am - 5pm everyday

 

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