Howies
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Howies is a clothing company based in west Wales. The company was founded in 1995 and produces eco-friendly T-shirts, jeans and sportswear, with the aim of having ethically correct practices.[1][2] Howies use natural fabrics as alternatives to petrochemical-derived modern fabrics, including organic cotton, Merino wool and recycled cotton.[3][4] Howies T-shirts often have images or slogans with political or environmental themes and are screen printed by hand in a workshop located at the brand headquarters.[4]
Brand
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The Howies brand has a strong identity within many UK active sports, notably mountain biking,[5] surfing and skateboarding, and has sponsored a number of athletes in these disciplines.[6]
It has made a number of special edition products associated with the Howies brand, notably with Curtis Bikes who continue to offer Howies blue as a standard colour option on many of their bikes. The company is particularly well known for its T-shirt designs, notably the classic logo design as well as 9 bikes, CCTV, Life*, Blood Donor and Home Work. The Howies name is often written in lowercase - the company's preferred style.
History
Howies was founded by Clare and David Hieatt in 1995. The name "Howies" is derived from Clare's maiden name of "Howells".[3][7] Howies first marketing and team manager was Jeff Boardman 1996 - 2001. Branding expert Mark Simmons was managing director from 1999 to 2001. The company relocated from London to Wales in 2001[8][9] and the company's first proper mail order catalogue is produced.[9]
In 2003, Levi Strauss & Co. threatened to sue Howies over the placement of a logo bearing tab on the rear right buttock pocket of their jeans. The Howies Tab is grey, the Levis Tab is Red.[10]
In 2011, the Hieatts sold the company to The Timberland Company, for £3.2m.[8][11][12]Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In November 2008, Howies was cited as the 6th most 'recession-proof' company in the UK.[13] In September 2009, David Hieatt, one of Howies' founders, mentioned on Twitter that he was due to leave the company at the end of October 2009.[14] In December 2011, Howies closed its London shop, which was situated on Carnaby Street.[15]
In January 2012, Howies' management team announced that they had purchased the company back and that Howies would continue to operate from Cardigan as an independent company.[16]
References
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- ↑ Daring to be different in a brand new way, The Guardian, 2004-05-29 Accessed on August 24, 2007.
- ↑ howies mixes fun with ecologyScript error: No such module "Unsubst"., Financial Times, 2006-03-10 Accessed on August 29, 2007.
- ↑ a b "Feature.003 HOWIES"Template:Category handler[<span title="Script error: No such module "string".">usurped]Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters"., "STEAL-LIFE", January 2005. Accessed on August 23, 2007.
- ↑ a b howies Interview Template:Webarchive, Issue 18, Singletrack Magazine, 2004-12-15. Accessed on August 23, 2007.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Timberland buys 'green' company Template:Webarchive, BBC News Online, 2007-02-13 Accessed on August 24, 2007.
- ↑ a b howies, Our History Template:Webarchive, Accessed on August 23, 2007.
- ↑ David v Goliath battle as Welsh jeans company tells Levi's to butt out Template:Webarchive, 2003-05-03
- ↑ Timberland buys howies, Inteletex Template:Webarchive, 2006-12-05 Accessed on August 24, 2007.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Stores must up their game to beat recession Template:Webarchive, 2008-11-03.
- ↑ Template:Cite tweet
- ↑ howies – a small independent, ethically minded store forced to close London Store Template:Webarchive, 2011-12-17.
- ↑ "On Our Own Two Feet" a howies blog post Template:Webarchive, 2012-01-06.
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