Signature Departments
Fine Leather Goods
Full-grain leather bags, briefcases, wallets, and belts built to develop a rich patina over a lifetime of use.
Explore Leather Goods →Premier Luggage
Authorized dealer of Briggs & Riley and world-class travel gear backed by lifetime warranties.
Explore Luggage →A Michigan Legacy Since 1874
The Harness Shop
Founded in Traverse City crafting heavy-duty leather harnesses, saddles, and steamer trunks built for Northern Michigan.
City Opera House
Establishing our permanent home on East Front Street inside Traverse City's historic City Opera House building.
The Golden Age of Travel
Expanding from custom leatherwork into premier luggage, briefcases, and dedicated in-house baggage repair.
Proudly Carrying the Torch
The oldest continuously running business in Traverse City—still curating fine leather goods, lifetime-warranty luggage, and rich history.

Trusted by Generations of Travelers
Real experiences from our historic Downtown Traverse City showroom & repair workshop
"Walking into Votruba is like stepping back in time in the best way possible. The smell of rich, genuine leather greets you at the door, and the staff truly knows their craft. Bought a full-grain leather bag and wallet that will easily outlive me."
"Brought in my favorite leather travel bag with a broken strap and worn stitching. Their in-house repair shop restored it beautifully for a very fair price. It is so rare to find a business that still repairs and stands behind real craftsmanship."
"The best place in Northern Michigan for high-end luggage. They walked us through the Briggs & Riley lifetime warranty and helped us pick the exact carry-on size we needed. You can't beat buying from a local institution that's been here since 1874."
"A mandatory stop every time we visit Front Street in Traverse City. From heavy-duty leather belts and gloves to journals and pens, everything is curated for quality rather than mass-market throwaways."
"An airline damaged the wheel housing on my suitcase right before another trip. Votruba's repair team fixed it quickly and saved me from having to replace a $600 bag. Truly top-notch service."
"I still use a leather briefcase my father bought at Votruba decades ago, and just purchased one for my son's graduation. Wonderful owners who genuinely care about carrying on a historic Michigan tradition."
Crafted to Endure. Restored by Hand.
True luxury isn't disposable. Unlike online-only retailers, Votruba Leather Co. operates a full-service leather and luggage restoration workshop—standing behind the pieces you carry for decades.
- Fine Leather Conditioning & Cleaning
- Stitching, Strap & Hardware Repair
- Luggage Wheel, Handle & Zipper Service
- Authorized Warranty Assessments
Votruba
Workshop
112 E. Front Street
Historic City Opera House
Contact Us
Stop by, call or email us.











