Evans Furs & Leathers is entering a new era defined by heritage, craftsmanship, and the personal touch that only family ownership can bring. As of November 8, the Scottsdale retailer is officially back in the hands of the family that first introduced it to the Valley more than three decades ago.
Longtime Arizona residents Michelle Parkhurst and Linda Rita have taken ownership of the business, setting the stage for a revitalized vision. For Parkhurst, the transition marks a deeply meaningful return. Her parents, Fred and Arleen Handel, brought Evans Furs & Leathers from Chicago to Phoenix in 1989, establishing the Arizona storefront at Biltmore Fashion Park.
Parkhurst stepped into the business the following year, immersing herself in daily operations. Even after the business changed hands in 1999 to out-of-state ownership, she remained the steady force guiding Evans forward. Now, more than 25 years later, she has brought the company full circle.
“When the opportunity to reacquire Evans arose, I knew it was meant to be,” she said. “This business has been a part of my family and my life for so long. To see ownership return home to Arizona and to our family feels like things have truly come full circle.”
Stepping into this next chapter with her is longtime friend and creative collaborator Linda Rita, a respected furrier known for her design sensibility and meticulous craftsmanship. Rita, who has worked with Evans for two decades, brings a complementary vision rooted in artistry and hands-on expertise.
“I’m delighted to partner with Michelle. I’ve loved working as Evans’ furrier for two decades. Now, as owners, we can bring a whole new level of service and design creativity to our customers. It’s exciting!”
With Parkhurst overseeing business operations and sales and Rita managing restyling, repair, and service, the duo is reinforcing what clients have long loved about Evans: personalized care, product knowledge, and style with a contemporary edge. As a locally owned and women-led luxury retailer, Evans is poised to carry its heritage forward with renewed energy and vision.
The boutique continues to offer a refined selection of furs and leathers: coats, jackets, stoles, vests, capes, and accessories ranging from hats and purses to headbands and specialty pieces. Just as importantly, Evans remains a trusted resource for professional services including climate-controlled storage, cleaning, and restyling. Upcycling is increasingly central to the brand’s ethos, giving clients modern, fashion-forward pieces crafted from garments that may have been tucked away for years.
The existing Evans team who oversees the on-site vault will continue to serve customers with the same attentive expertise that has shaped the store’s reputation. Expect refreshed collections, renewed styling guidance, and a focus on sustainable luxury that feels distinctly current. Learn more at evansfursandleathers.com.
