BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Sarah Varley speaks to Ken Varey Town & Country Wear owner Kevin Horkin about the latest collections and a new footwear label favoured by the Duchess of Cambridge. Photography: Kirsten Platt
The North West’s largest independent retailer of Barbour and Dubarry, Ken Varey Town & Country Wear in Clitheroe offers an unrivalled selection of classic country clothing from high quality, well-known brands including Schoffel, Aigle, Musto and Joules, along with knowledgeable, friendly staff.
As owner Kevin Horkin explains: “We carefully select products to meet our customers’ demands in both performance and style. One of our best-selling items is the Schoffel fleece gilet with leather trim – they sell themselves because once you’ve seen the quality, you don’t want anything else.
“Our range of offerings is constantly evolving,” says Kevin. “We have everything you need whatever your pursuit or style, from traditional shooting styles to everyday performance wear including waxed, waterproof, wind-proof and GORE-TEX® jackets.”
There is also a large collection of coats, shirts, hats and accessories within the spacious store, as well as a comprehensive range available via their website.
In ladieswear, the new spring collections are arriving from Barbour, Joules and Dubarry. “You will find beautiful and wearable styles, including tops, trousers and dresses, as well as specialist jackets that are waterproof and wind-proof but also beautifully lined and stylish,” says Kevin.
“Current best-sellers are the reversible Barbour coats – they’re so versatile and wearable and come with a great range of matching shirts and dresses.”
There are plenty of accessories such as bags and purses available, including waxed jackets for your pets!
There is a large collection of footwear available, including specialist walking boots and British-made and hand-made shoes from Barker, Joseph Cheaney, Loake and Barbour. The Dubarry Galway boots are one of the store’s best-sellers: “Everyone wants them and it’s easy to see why. They’re a premium quality leather boot, they look great and they’re GORE-TEX® lined, 100 per cent waterproof and breathable so you’re going to be comfortable in all conditions.”
A whole area is dedicated to premium wellingtons from Hunter to Dubarry.
“Whether for dog-walking or country pursuits, a good pair of wellingtons makes all the difference,” says Kevin. “With the right quality of footbed, insole, lining and outsole you are less likely to go over on your ankle and you are going to stay dry and comfortable, so you are also less likely to experience foot problems.”
The range of footwear is also expanding, as Kevin explains: “We have just acquired an exciting and exclusive new brand, Fairfax and Favor – their iconic ladies’ tall boots are very popular, fans include Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge.
“The collection arrives at the end of March and we’ll be the area’s only stockists.”
Ken Varey Town & Country Wear
4 New Market Street, Clitheroe BB7 2JW
01200 423267
kenvarey.co.uk
