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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Celebrate a familiar name from American retail with this Otasco car magnet. The Sanditen brothers opened their first store in Okmulgee in 1918, and the company later moved its headquarters to Tulsa before expanding to 455 stores in 12 states. Otasco's story spans family ownership, a purchase by McCrory, employee ownership, and the closure of company-operated outlets in 1989. A meaningful pick for collectors and former customers who remember the stores, products, and communities behind the name.
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) Car Magnet
$6.99
Sale price
$6.99
Regular price
Celebrate a familiar name from American retail with this Otasco car magnet. The Sanditen brothers opened their first store in Okmulgee in 1918, and the company later moved its headquarters to Tulsa before expanding to 455 stores in 12 states. Otasco's story spans family ownership, a purchase by McCrory, employee ownership, and the closure of company-operated outlets in 1989. A meaningful pick for collectors and former customers who remember the stores, products, and communities behind the name.
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.
| 7.5'' × 4.5'' | |
| Width, in | 7.50 |
| Height, in | 4.50 |
Product features
- 100% vinyl face with matte finish for a muted, non-reflective look
- Black magnetic backing grips metal surfaces and removes cleanly
- All-weather durability—resists rain and sun exposure
- Available in three sizes to fit vehicles, toolboxes, or merch displays
- Printed with Digital-Direct Printing (DDP) for sharp, long-lasting color
Care instructions
- Wipe the dust off gently with a soft, dry cloth.