GENERAL MERCHANDISE NEWS
Debenhams to ramp up use of UK manufacturers
13 December, 2012 | by Retail Bulletin
Debenhams has pledged to increase its use of UK manufacturers as it launches a new ‘Made by Great Britons’ range.
The department store chain is calling on UK suppliers to proactively get in touch so that it can bolster its domestic production.
Debenhams said it will stock more clothing and homeware made exclusively in the UK and will display a Union Jack label on the products to emphasise the origin and the new bespoke brand, “Made by Great Britons”.
Debenhams already works with a number of British designers through its ‘Designers at Debenhams’ range including fashion designers Julien Macdonald, Henry Holland, Jenny Packham, Matthew Williamson and Jasper Conran.
Suzanne Harlow, Debenhams’ group trading director said: “The fantastic support for the Jubilee and the Olympics this year shows how passionate we all are about championing the best of British.
“We have some of the best clothing manufacturers in the world, and we want to see their products in our stores. As we’re proud of where they’re produced, our new brand will appear on anything we source from the UK.
“We’re calling on new manufacturers to come forward. If you’ve got innovative, exciting garments and an excellent standard of factory, then we want to hear from you.”
Business secretary Vince Cable, who is supporting schemes to resurrect the UK textile industry, said: “There is a growing momentum behind bringing back substantial parts of the textile industry to the UK. It was an industry that almost died in Britain, although there are some high-quality specialist firms that have survived.
“I am now picking up that the economics of the industry are changing, and very much welcome the initiatives of the big retailers to start sourcing in the UK where possible.”
Harlow added: “Speed to market is crucial for us, as our fashion ranges are inspired by the latest catwalk trends. This means we need to turn our designs into production as quickly as possible.
“It makes sense for us to use manufacturers nearer to home whenever we can, rather than shipping in products from the other side of the world.
“We look forward to UK manufacturers getting in touch and hope this move will bolster a revival of the UK clothing industry.”
