Small States features small companies that design and manufacture within the United States.
Large companies are capable of doing a lot of different things. They have the funds to throw at product development and marketing, with little worry about their bottom line thanks to low-cost overseas manufacturing strategies. As a result, often times their products just aren’t very good.
Sometimes, skills learned from years in the trade working in America are more important than mass production. And sometimes a small crew of five can pump out beautifully designed products.
Tucker and Bloom is the bag company that should be on everyone’s radar this holiday season…
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee this father and son combo is churning out beautiful handmade bags with a modern design and old world craftsmanship.
It all started with David, the father, who spent over 30 years in the bag business. Although he made many beautiful handbags for a long time working for himself and other companies, the opportunity to manufacture something in the States was a big draw. David describes Tucker and Bloom as such:
“We’re not trying to create a seasonal fashion product, hopefully what we are creating is a much longer-term product …[for] our customers.”
Ultimately that desire to create something his way, during a time when most products were beginning to be manufactured overseas, won out. Thus, Tucker and Bloom was born.
“A lot of things have moved to China, but I think that a lot of the character has been lost. The products aren’t the same as what they used to be.”
The business has grown steadily over the last 11 years, with more designs coming out annually. One thing has remained true for David Bloom however, it’s the pride that comes with creating a quality product within the United States. In a time where everyone seems to want more, Tucker and Bloom has focused on what is best and it couldn’t be more evident when you use its products.
“So many of those bags that are made overseas, there is so many pockets and zippers, you almost lose your stuff. We wanted something that was practical and well made.”
One other thing that has come during this time is his son Case, who now handles a lot of marketing for Tucker and Bloom. It’s a match that not only ensures the company will stay in family hands for years to come but also a good combination when it comes to skill. David clearly has a passion for old world manufacturing techniques, while Case has a feel for the younger crowd.
“It has been wonderful having Case be a part, he has a lot of strengths in areas that I do not.” David says of the father and son relationship, “He is much more gregarious than I am, but I guess that is why I am a designer. It’s what every father hopes, that their son will take an interest in what they do.”
Case would agree.
“My father and I have always had a special working relationship. We bounce ideas and work through problems in a similar way, which this lends itself nicely to the product development process.” Case says of the Father and Son synergy, “we share ideas about what makes good design and I am constantly learning about construction through him.”
In speaking with both of them, there is a certain charm that comes with getting to know Tucker and Bloom. The father and son duo are creating beautiful bags that are built to stand the test of time. They don’t have a large factory overseas, or even here in the US, it’s simply them and a few others manufacturing beautiful solutions for all your gear needs.
We were lucky enough to get our hands on the North to South messenger bag, which I found to be a great addition to my daily work life. It is a unique design that is clearly well thought-out with a solid build on top of it all. My favorite part of the North to South bag was its functionality, it does not lock you into only putting certain items in the bag. There is a nice openness to it that allows you to store quite a bit.
Instead of having all of these pockets, zipper and clips, the North to South seems to meet all your needs without giving you too much. Additionally, we found the materials to be top notch. This is not your typical nylon bag, it is made from weatherproofed 1680 denier black ballistic nylon that’s lightweight but tough. The inside sports a colorful orange or green lining that provides a nice contrast to the outer neutral colors. My personal favorite part of the design was the polished aluminum front release buckles that are engraved with the Tucker and Bloom logo, a very nice touch.
Ultimately, with Tucker and Bloom you are going to get a
This week we are giving away a Tucker and Bloom Ranger Market tote valued at $175. With its gorgeous waxed canvas and leather design, this is a great addition for anyone in need of storage on-the-go. To enter this giveaway, follow @9to5Toys on Twitter and retweet the article. If Facebook is more your thing, Like us and share this article with your friends. Additionally, you can enter the giveaway by leaving a comment at the bottom of this article. We’ll choose three winners next Saturday. Good luck!
Previous winners:
- Grado Headphones – @omar_cruz
- This is Ground – @chrismachian
- Myro:Air – @strikeux
- Grovemade – @morganrhc
- Jamstik MIDI guitar – @EGHSPrincipalRI
- PUC MIDI hub (x2) – @broni / @phillsea
- Owen & Fred – @kenjancef
- Carved – Multiple winners
- Waterfield Designs – @zrockstar
- Tinsel and Timber – Multiple winners
- Spool Dock – TBA this afternoon
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