Coach began more than half of a century ago as a family-run workshop in a Manhattan loft, New York. The founder of Coach was first inspired by a baseball glove when he saw its distinctive markings and how supple it became with use. After refining it, making it softer and stronger, he created Coach's first handbag. Since then, innovations in leather finishes, new grains and colors, and modern materials continue to fascinate us. But this glove-tanned leather remains a Coach tradition. And it still burnishes as beautifully as it did back when Babe Ruth played baseball. Six artisans handcrafted a collection of high-quality leather goods using skills passed down from generation to generation. Discerning consumers soon began to seek out the high standards of Coach workmanship.

The company has since stayed in New York in a larger location to allow for it’s expansion. Only the top 10% of quality leather is chosen to become a Coach handbag and the leather is slow cured in large drums with rotation for several days. The leather is enriched with natural treatments which produces a softening effect to bring out the individual grain of each piece of leather.

Throughout the years, Coach has maintained the highest standards of workmanship and materials. Now, greatly expanded, Coach's exceptional workforce is committed to carefully upholding the principles of quality and integrity which made the company great. Today, Coach is considered a classic part of the landscape of American design.

Sales declined for the company in 1998 with the changing of high-end handbags to a more eclectic blend of materials such as fabric and mixed materials. The conception among consumers saw Coach handbags as rather conservative and traditional. Coach recognized the need for change and responded dramatically with it’s introduction of it’s first signature line of bags with the letter “C" print and a mixture of fabric and leather. This style was an immediate hit and Coach knew a winner when it saw one!

Strong revenue growth began with Coach’s sales growing from 12% in 2001 to 20% in 2002. Coach can only continue to grown in sales with it’s introduction of the new “Scribble" pattern, the “Scarf" pattern, and my personal favorite, the “Ladybug Applique" pattern. If you are looking for a timeless classic handbag or something new, just check out Coach handbags for the best of both worlds.