Picard
Germany
Picard is a German leather goods company founded in 1928 and based in Obertshausen, Hesse. It is described as family-run and makes handbags, small leather goods and business and travel bags. It matters as a long-standing, manufacturer-led brand that sells directly as well as through trade.
| Founded | 1928 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Martin Picard (with his sons Edmund and Alois) |
| Ownership | Family-run |
| Headquarters | Obertshausen, Germany |
| Segment | Leather bags and accessories |
| Website | picard-fashion.com |
What is Picard?
Picard is a German maker of leather bags and accessories. According to its own website, the company has produced leather goods since 1928 and is now run by the fifth generation of the family. The German-language encyclopaedia entry places its headquarters in Obertshausen, in the state of Hesse near Offenbach.
History
The company was entered in the commercial register in 1928 as Gebr. Picard Lederwarenfabrik. It was founded by Martin Picard together with his sons Edmund and Alois. The encyclopaedia entry notes that Georg Picard took over management from his uncle Thomas Picard at the end of 2014, while the brand's current website names Martin Picard as chief executive in the fifth generation. Because the two sources differ in time and detail, current management is best checked against the company directly.
Products and positioning
The range covers a broad everyday segment rather than runway fashion. Product groups listed on the official site include:
- Handbags, evening bags, shoppers, shoulder bags, belt bags and backpacks
- Business bags such as briefcases, laptop bags and writing folders
- Travel bags and toiletry bags
- Small leather goods including wallets, phone cases and glasses cases
- Accessories, leather care products and pet accessories
Materials are mainly leather and recycled synthetics, and some lines are described as vegan or leather-free. The company also offers small seasonal collections alongside standard items.
Business model and distribution
Picard presents itself as a manufacturer that sells directly to consumers through its own online shop, with a store locator for PICARD stores and an outlet store in Obertshausen. It also runs a B2B shop and offers private label services, which points to a wholesale and trade business alongside its direct channels. A repair service for bags is part of its customer offer.
Why it matters
Picard is an example of a multi-generation, family-owned German leather goods manufacturer that combines manufacturing, direct online sales, owned stores and trade supply. For retailers and brands watching the accessories market, it shows how a mid-market producer can keep control of both product and customer relationship.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Picard from?
Picard is a German company. It was founded in 1928 and, according to the German-language encyclopaedia entry, is headquartered in Obertshausen in Hesse.
Who owns Picard?
The brand's own website describes it as family-run and says it is in its fifth generation. It does not publish further details of the ownership structure.