Celtic & Co launched way back in the 1970’s in Cornwall
selling sheepskin boots and leather goods as Hide & Feet and then the
Original UGG Co.. Founder Nick Whitworth sold his entire interest in the UGG ®
trademark and name he had registered to Ugg Holdings Inc, which is now Deckers
Outdoor Corporation. He then proceeded to re-brand as The Celtic Sheepskin Co,
to manufacture and sell Celt branded boots.
The business then, under the directorship of Nick and wife
Kath, expanded steadily over the years to become one of the largest suppliers
of sheepskin footwear and outerwear in the UK with a loyal customer base.
In 2011 Piper took a stake in the business, the product
range wasm developed in an attempt to rapidly grow a premium lifestyle range
and this involved expanding the management team and restructuring the business.
“It has been made very clear to us by our customers that not all of these
changes were true to our heritage values,” said Nick Whitworth, adding, “As a
result of this and due to a tough retail market, we have had a challenging
period of trading resulting in the decision by Kath and me to buy the business
back, carry on the Celtic brand and return it to its heritage.”
The ongoing strategy is to return to the core strengths of
Celtic’s sheepskin footwear, outerwear, chunky knitwear and accessories, and to
give customers the products they have come to expect from the brand. Celtic has
always opted to offer natural fabric clothing with much of its range designed
manufactured in Cornwall using natural and sustainable fibres and with a
rigorous commitment to recycling.
The news of Celtic’s re-structure has attracted little
comment in the sector, save for the hope that it will find that this return to
its roots under the direction of its founders will see it flourish.
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