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Take a piece of Oklahoma retail history along on your next trip with this Otasco luggage tag. Founded in Okmulgee in 1918 by the Sanditen brothers, Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company grew from a family business into a chain with 455 stores across 12 states by 1968. Its story spans auto parts, appliances, credit-based shopping, and employee ownership. For travelers who collect regional retail history, Otasco offers a memorable connection to the communities and customers 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) Luggage Tag
$16.99
Sale price
$16.99
Regular price
Take a piece of Oklahoma retail history along on your next trip with this Otasco luggage tag. Founded in Okmulgee in 1918 by the Sanditen brothers, Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company grew from a family business into a chain with 455 stores across 12 states by 1968. Its story spans auto parts, appliances, credit-based shopping, and employee ownership. For travelers who collect regional retail history, Otasco offers a memorable connection to the communities and customers 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.
| 2.4'' × 4'' | |
| Width, in | 2.40 |
| Height, in | 4.00 |
| Depth, in | 0.20 |
Product features
- Durable 100% acrylic body with glossy printed front
- Adjustable black leather strap with buckle
- One-side high-definition print in vibrant colors
- Rear opening pocket for business card or contact info
- Compact size 2.4” × 4” (6 × 10 cm)
Care instructions
- Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth