About Us
Connecting your business to the creative world is our top priority.
We are a 100% employee-owned company with over four decades of experience connecting the art supply industry. We deliver logistics brilliance and creativity expertise to a wide array of businesses, including independent mom and pops, regional chains, mass market and e-commerce.
There's a whole world of creativity out there and we offer something for everyone.
Our portfolio of over 50,000 creative materials celebrates premium quality, value and on-trend brands appealing to creative people of all levels and ages.
Connecting your business to the creative world is our top priority.
Our account management team offers decades of combined experience and our regional distribution centers operate with the latest warehouse management technology.
Our greatest strength is our people.
Our culture is built on a customer-focused approach and the values of teamwork, integrity, respect, ownership, initiative, innovation and having fun.
Our Story
MacPherson's was originally founded in Montana in 1906 as a distributor to the shoe repair trade. In the 1960's we expanded to art supplies and have never looked back! We now distribute product from over 200 brands to a wide array of retailers across the U.S. and abroad.
MacPherson's celebrates a history of creativity and innovation.
1906
Montana Leather Co. founded by George MacPherson in Butte, MT
1933
MacPherson Brothers San Francisco store founded by Kenneth MacPherson
1950's
Hobby, craft & art supply division is added with Tom Stapleton leading the company
1978 & 1982
In 1978 Frank Stapleton takes over the business from his father Tom and in 1982 MacPherson Wholesale Distributors is formed, focusing solely on art supplies
1987 & 1989
MacPherson's acquires Fullerton Sales in 1987 and in 1989 MacPherson's acquires Chicago-based US Blue Company
1990's
MacPherson's moves its SF Bay Area Distribution Center to Reno
2000
MacPherson's acquires Atlanta-based Artcraft
2010
MacPherson's becomes a 100% Employee Owned Company (ESOP)
2018 & Beyond
Frank Stapleton passes on the MacPherson's legacy to Employee Owners who continue serving our customers and delivering creativity to our communities