Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) Can Cooler
Regular Can
$9.99
Sale price
$9.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Bring Otasco's Oklahoma retail story to a gathering with this can cooler. The company began in Okmulgee in 1918, built its business around products offered on credit, and grew into a chain serving communities across 12 states. Its path from family ownership to a 1984 employee purchase makes it a compelling piece of American business history. For former customers, store-history collectors, and fans of auto parts and appliance retail, this keepsake honors a name with deep roots in everyday shopping.
Otasco, short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company, was a Tulsa-based retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances. Sam, Maurice, and Herman Sanditen, three Jewish Lithuanian immigrant brothers, established the business in 1918 and opened its first store in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The company moved its headquarters to Tulsa in 1925 and built its business around offering products on credit. In 1960, the McCrory Corporation bought Otasco while retaining the Sanditen brothers. By 1968, the chain had 455 stores in 12 states. Employees bought the company from McCrory in 1984, making it one of the largest employee-owned companies in America. During the 1980s, struggling sales prompted a new logo and advertising campaign, but these drew little attention. Otasco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1988; 171 stores closed across 11 states, with 1,600 jobs lost. On March 30, 1989, 43 stores reopened in an effort to keep profitable locations operating, but the attempt failed. All outlets were ordered to close permanently at the end of business on June 3, 1989. A source cited in the article says franchisees received 99-year licenses to use the Otasco name. As of 2014, two Oklahoma stores remained in Beaver and Marlow, and a locally owned Otasco Associate store continued in Many, Louisiana.
Otasco (Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company) Can Cooler
$9.99
Sale price
$9.99
Regular price
Bring Otasco's Oklahoma retail story to a gathering with this can cooler. The company began in Okmulgee in 1918, built its business around products offered on credit, and grew into a chain serving communities across 12 states. Its path from family ownership to a 1984 employee purchase makes it a compelling piece of American business history. For former customers, store-history collectors, and fans of auto parts and appliance retail, this keepsake honors a name with deep roots in everyday shopping.
Otasco, short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company, was a Tulsa-based retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances. Sam, Maurice, and Herman Sanditen, three Jewish Lithuanian immigrant brothers, established the business in 1918 and opened its first store in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The company moved its headquarters to Tulsa in 1925 and built its business around offering products on credit. In 1960, the McCrory Corporation bought Otasco while retaining the Sanditen brothers. By 1968, the chain had 455 stores in 12 states. Employees bought the company from McCrory in 1984, making it one of the largest employee-owned companies in America. During the 1980s, struggling sales prompted a new logo and advertising campaign, but these drew little attention. Otasco filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1988; 171 stores closed across 11 states, with 1,600 jobs lost. On March 30, 1989, 43 stores reopened in an effort to keep profitable locations operating, but the attempt failed. All outlets were ordered to close permanently at the end of business on June 3, 1989. A source cited in the article says franchisees received 99-year licenses to use the Otasco name. As of 2014, two Oklahoma stores remained in Beaver and Marlow, and a locally owned Otasco Associate store continued in Many, Louisiana.
| Regular Can | Slim Can | |
| Height, in | 4.30 | 6.00 |
| Diameter, in | 3.50 | 3.50 |
Product features
- Durable 100% polyester exterior with edge-to-edge vibrant print
- Soft 100% foam liner for firm grip and insulation
- Lightweight and slim — fits regular and slim cans
- Outside white polyester with black foam interior for contrast
- Available sizes: Regular (3.5" x 4.3") and Slim (3.5" x 6'")
Care instructions
- Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth