Attire Accessories - May/Jun 2018 (Issue 70)

ATTIRE 75 PROFILE and requirements (from both sides). He eventually left the show at nearly 11pm. All parties were educated and excited, looking forward to the opportunities ahead – I think if you are passionate about the future of British retail, that kind of time investment from both sides, (even if only once in a while) isn’t too much to ask. When was the website launched and how does it support the business? The website owenbarrytrade.com was built too long ago – we are just in the process of having it updated so that it will be more retailer friendly. Presently we don’t have things like a stock ordering facility etc, but watch this space – the deadline is June 2018! How do you view the current market and what trends, in both product and business, do you see emerging over the current months? In our space the consumer is far more educated and socially aware, therefore the eco-provenance of the skins and the environmental impact of the manufacture is hugely important to them. Owen Barry has always been well placed to service these requirements – all our skins are 100 per cent a bi-product of the food industry, taking a waste product and turning it into stunning leathers, sheepskins and cowhides. All our manufacturing is done in Somerset, so that minimises our footprint, plus all Owen Barry products come with a lifetime guarantee, they age beautifully over time ensuring the customer of a wise investment, and potentially negates the need for ‘stuff ’, by replacing it with heritage pieces. With our discerning customer demographic, I can only see that need increasing, that is why we offer factory tours and academies here at the sharp end – clients love them and find them really worthwhile, plus the hospitality (Somerset vittles’ and cider) is pretty good too. What are your future plans for the business? Chas, my daughter, is fifth generation leather and sheepskin ‘nutter’, as passionate about our industry as any of her predecessors. Chas and her partner Jack are already taking the Owen Barry business to new areas, both in terms of markets and products. However, rest assured despite these very exciting opportunities, the manufacturing heart of the business will always stay in Somerset. A Owen Barry +44 (0)1458 442 858 owenbarrytrade.com