Building On Over 130 Years Of Family Heritage At Hoggs
Of Fife
by Paul
Andrews October 10, 2021
Hoggs of
Fife first began making hand welted country footwear in 1888 in Strathmiglo,
Fife and have gradually built an excellent reputation across the Fieldsports
and Farming fraternity for producing good quality, hard wearing products that
can withstand the elements and be comfortable and hard wearing throughout the
working day.
Still owned
and managed by the Hogg family and based within the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland,
Hoggs of Fife remain true to their craftsman founder, offering hand-made
leather footwear today as well as handmade rubber boots and a complete offer of
quality country clothing and accessories to provide comfort, style and
protection from the elements to today’s Country enthusiasts.
During our
recent Scottish Family Business Road Trip which saw us in Fife, it would have
been remiss not to pop in to visit their two strong family businesses. So after our recent feature on the 134 year
old Hoggs of Fife brand it was good to take the opportunity to take a look at
the two ‘Fife Country’ retail shops, while we were in the area.
Our first
visit was to their historic building in Strathmiglo. This is the same site from
which Mr Hogg sold his first pair of ‘Fife Farm Boots’ from, back in 1888. It’s
incredible to think that the business has thrived from this historic location
throughout 134 years, albeit in different guises. It does help to explain the
Aladdin’s Cave nature of the store layout, though as the retail space has
expanded over the years. It was also
great to see the historical reference point to the brand that has grown so
successfully and also to see loyalty to other family business brands that were
on sale too.
Our second
destination was equally as impressive and very much a new site for this
fascinating family business. Fife Country have just opened a concession in the
lovely Caulders Garden Centre, in Cupar and what an impressive space it is.
Neatly laid
out and integral to the garden centre is an impressive, more uniform space in
contrast to the eclectic nature of its sister store. Fife Country Cupar has an excellent range of
outdoor and lifestyle products that are very well presented and in truth, its
difficult to resist temptation because of the excellent range on offer.
The
business continues to innovate, introducing new ranges to appeal to a growing
audience with strong heritage links too.
Loyalty is evident with plenty of employees who have been around for
many years and there is an eye on the future too.
The outlet
in the garden centre is a new experience and one that may well be rolled out
more broadly going forward.
A family
business with a real nod to the past but recognising the need for continued
evolution, innovation and an eye on the future too.
No comments:
Post a Comment