Roeckl
Roeckl (family-owned) · Germany
Roeckl is a Munich accessories brand founded in 1839 by glove maker Jakob Roeckl and still owned and run by the founding family. Led since 2003 by Annette Roeckl, the sixth generation, it has grown from a glove specialist into a broader brand for gloves, bags, scarves and small leather goods.
| Founded | 1839, Munich |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jakob Roeckl |
| Owner | Roeckl family |
| Managing director | Annette Roeckl (since 2003) |
| Headquarters | Munich, Germany |
| Segment | Gloves and accessories |
| Website | roeckl.com |
What is Roeckl?
Roeckl is a German family company based in Munich that designs and makes gloves and fashion accessories for women and men. The brand describes its products as made from natural materials, partly by hand, in its own European workshops and with selected partner manufacturers. It is one of the oldest accessories brands in the German-speaking market.
History
The company was founded in 1839 by Jakob Roeckl, a glove maker who opened his first shop on Kaufingerstrasse in Munich. In 1844 he patented a tanning process, and the business began producing fine glacé gloves. Under Christian Roeckl, who took over in 1867, the company started exporting to England and America, and in 1871 it built a new production building in Munich that became known locally as the Roeckl-Schloss.
In 1893, under Heinrich Anton Roeckl, the firm received the title of Royal Bavarian Court Glove Manufacturer and opened a branch in New York. After the Second World War the company was rebuilt under Heinrich Franz Roeckl, and later generations developed separate fashion and sports glove activities. Since 2003 the business has been led by Annette Roeckl, the sixth generation of the family, who has steered it from a glove maker towards a full accessories brand.
Products and positioning
Roeckl sits in the premium segment of the accessories market. Its range includes:
- Leather and knit gloves for women and men
- Handbags and other bags
- Scarves, shawls, hats and caps
- Wallets, small leather goods and belts
The company presents durability, responsible production, careful sourcing of natural materials and upcycling as principles of its product development.
Business model and distribution
Roeckl sells through its own boutiques, through its own online shop and through specialist and department store retail partners. Its storefinder lists both company boutiques and stockists. As a family-owned company it does not publish detailed financial figures.
Why it matters
Roeckl is an example of a heritage craft business that has survived for more than 180 years by gradually widening its category focus while keeping family ownership and a manufacturing base in Europe. For the accessories trade, it shows how a single-category specialist can reposition itself as a lifestyle accessories brand without abandoning its original expertise in gloves.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Roeckl from?
Roeckl is from Munich, Germany, where Jakob Roeckl founded the company as a glove maker in 1839. The company is still headquartered in Munich.
Who owns Roeckl?
Roeckl is a family business owned by the founding Roeckl family. It has been led since 2003 by Annette Roeckl, who represents the sixth generation.