Montville’s Almari Leather has been in business for almost 20 years, providing customers with ethically sourced, quality Australian leather products. 

And while leather goods are known for their longevity and durability, it’s the rich, earthy smell of leather that customers remember. 

“If we had a dollar for every time a customer walked in here, breathed in deeply and told us they love the smell of leather, we could retire!”  laughed owner Martina Manzelli. “There is nothing that compares with the clean earthiness of leather.”

Despite the challenges from imported fast fashion, owners Phil and Martina have remained committed to using Australian craftsmen and providing a range of leather and hide products to suit all budgets. “Over the years we have unfortunately lost a lot of Australian craftsmen due to the rise in imported fast fashion,” said Martina. “Genuine leather accessories have been replaced with cheaper imported versions thereof and it really has been to the detriment of the local industry as a whole. 

“We are still using Australian craftsmen as much as we can and we make some items here because we are deeply committed to using ethically sourced, quality Australian leather. 

“In the bigger picture, this is important.”

Almari stocks an incredible range of leather and hide handbags, wallets, hats, belts, cow hides, sheepskin products and giftware.

“We have tailored our range to suit all budgets and we have some very lovely locally made leather and hide products in stock,” said Martina.  “There are some really unique ideas for motorbike lovers, and cowboy gift items and we are happy to ship large items to wherever they need to go as well.”

With care leather can last a lifetime. And while there is something very special about its look, feel and longevity, you will always savour the earthy smell.

• Almari Leather is at Shop 1, 146 Main Street Montville. Phone 5442 9189.