Enjoy The Great Outdoors In Style
Long-standing store Vareys Town and Country care passionately about providing excellent customer service and only selling high quality products to enjoy every aspect of country life, writes Gail Bailey. Photography: Kirsten Platt
Vareys Town & Country has been established in Clitheroe for over 60 years following founder Ken Varey opening the store in 1962.
Since then, the store continued to evolve and when Kevin Horkin bought the business in 1997, it has continued to offer only the very best quality outdoor country wear: “We constantly evolve to meet customers changing needs,” explains Kevin. “The store continues to retail all the premium brands we are renowned for, but with lots of new and exciting ranges being introduced all the time – many exclusive to Vareys.”
The store moved from its original location in the old cornmill by Clitheroe Market three years ago and is now in the wonderful old Yorkshire Bank building spread over three floors. Kevin says: “Although we remain a small, independent retailer having three floors means we carry a large stock range and aim to always have the right size or colourway available. It is especially true of our footwear ranges – and we carry a variety of different sizes and styles.”
As we head into the summer months, and thoughts turn to spending more time in the countryside – Vareys Town and Country is the perfect place for everything outdoors.
R M Williams
“This is a brand-new range for us,” Kevin says. “R M Williams is one of the best-known and best-loved boot brands in the world. This Australian range isn’t crafted for a day, or a season – they’re crafted for life!” This is a really popular, premium product and Vareys will be lucky enough to stock the entire range from August this year.”
Dubarry
“Here at Vareys we are proud to stock Dubarry products. From boots and deck shoes to shirts, coats and bags, we have a great selection for you to choose from,” Kevin adds. Dubarry shoes and boots are created from raw materials especially selected for their strength and appearance, ensuring the perfect combination of function and form in every item.
Didriksons
“This fabulous Swedish company was founded over 100 years ago with a simple philosophy – not to challenge the elements, but to adapt to them!” says Kevin. “They are Scandinavia’s leading brand for functional, stylish and sustainable jackets and at Vareys we are proud to stock the range in some of their wonderful pastel shades, including the waterproof jackets and parkas for which Didriksons are renowned.”
Schöffel
Schöffel are a brand that lives and breathes the countryside – the landscapes, the weather, the wildlife and the people. The range combines innovation and tradition to engineer the best clothing for those who share this passion for the outdoors: “Every brand has a ‘hero-piece’,” explains Kevin. “And for Schöffel it’s their famous gilet. One of our best-selling items in the store – and as original and iconic as when it was first introduced more than 27 years ago.”
Barbour
“Vareys supply a wide range of Barbour products: “They are still our number one brand, and their wax jacket is as famous now as it was when it was first introduced – it continues to be a modern wardrobe staple due to its timeless style and function.” Barbour is all about different levels and layers and Vareys stock everything from the baseball caps to shooting jackets – and even a range for your four-legged friend!
Aigle
Vareys Town & Country has always been the go-to place in the Ribble Valley for walking footwear including boots, wellies and sandals and they continue to stock only the very best ranges in terms of style, functionality and durability: “Aigle continues to be one of our top selling ranges,” Kevin says. “They are masters in rubber craftsmanship and still hand finish their boots in France today. Aigle wellingtons are perfect for those who need to wear their boots every day. They have an anti-fatigue design and include a reverse grip, so have style, safety and comfort at their core.” An added benefit of these famous rubber boots is being lined with neoprene enabling them to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter – perfect!
Meindl Berghaus & Merrell
Vareys is your place to shop for the innovative Meindl range, Berghaus – who focus on being weatherproof, comfortable, durable, and of course Merrell who are famous for reliable footwear for walking and mountaineering – along with their famous walking sandals.
With a new clearance outlet in their original Clitheroe premises, Vareys continues to expand and are aiming for an August opening for their exciting new store in Lytham: “We don’t stand still,” Kevin says. “Alongside our shops we are also a key player at the Royal Lancashire Show. It’s the second largest agricultural fair in the country and this year I’m proud to be the President.”
Vareys Town & Country
2 Market Place
Clitheroe BB7 2DB
01200 423267
vareys.co.uk
