9,200-square-foot leather store opens on US 41 in Sarasota

A furniture gallery specializing in custom-made leather pieces has opened off U.S. 41 south in Sarasota. Shore House Leather recently held a grand opening at 5251 S. Tamiami Trail.

The business is in the space where the Leather Gallery and Bedding Center had been since 2014. That business closed earlier this year when its owner decided to retire.

There is a bridge between the old store and the new one in the form of its general manager.

"I opened Leather Gallery and Bedding Center in 2014 for the owner that decided to retire in May," Shore House Leather General Manager Tom Mckenna says. "The landlord and I decided to open Shore House Leather to fill the void" after its predecessor shuttered.

Located in a 9,200-square-foot store, Shore House Leather offers premium leather furnishings, customization, design guidance and a team with decades of experience in fine furniture and luxury interiors, according to a statement. 

Mckenna is at the helm of the business, supported by Store Manager John Silvio. Their philosophy is that furniture should be as individual as the people who live with it.

To that end, the showroom features pieces from reading chairs to recliners, sectionals to sofas, and encourages clients to touch, experience and customize the furniture. The store carries brands like Himolla, Omnia, Design NS, IMG and Fjords.

Photo by Nicole Mac

About 95% of the store's sales are custom orders, according to Mckenna.

While the “concentration is on seating,” Mckenna says, Shore House Leather also has a “selection of tables, lighting, area rugs and creations from six local artists.”

According to Mckenna, "what separates us from all other furniture stores" is that all seating comes with a lifetime warranty on frame construction, foam, spring suspension and mechanisms.

Shore House Leather is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, and also by appointment.