Homeware, accessories and gifts brand Howat & Hutchinson started life in 2004 as Leather & Lavender, founded merely as a hobby. The company has evolved over the last 12 years into a thriving, vibrant brand offering inspiration for anyone with a love of interiors, and has undergone a major rebranding this year. Co-owner Sallyanne Hutchinson gives Victoria Noakes a closer look into the business ...
The idea for luxury homeware retailer Howat & Hutchinson came about as a result of co-owner Sallyanne Hutchinson’s hobby of importing leather and cowhide homeware items and selling them at Christmas fairs and markets.
In 2004, Sallyanne took over the running of a small arm of the family business – then named Leather & Lavender – sourcing a range of top quality leather and cowhide goods from Italy, India and Morocco and trading at fairs throughout the UK.
When Sallyanne’s childhood friend – former BBC journalist Jo Howat – expressed a shared love for luxury homeware, the pair decided to join forces and take the business to the next level. Jo brought a different set of skills to the table, with her interest in online retailing taking the business in a new direction.
2012 saw the launch of a new website, and the birth of brand L&L, which aimed to expand the reach of Leather & Lavender not only in the UK, but in Europe, the US and beyond. The company was now able to operate as a fully-functioning web retailer, supported by a bigger stock holding, a new warehouse, branded products and packaging.
Howat & Hutchinson offers a selection of practical yet stylish homewares, storage solutions, gifts and desk accessories made from high quality leather and cowhide. The collection of striking, hand-finished pieces are ideal for adding a finishing touch to the bedroom, bathroom, living or office space. Products range from tray tables, footstools and umbrella stands to photo frames, trunks and storage baskets.
Sallyanne and Jo design their own products from start to finish, from developing the concepts to selecting the materials that they will be made from.
“The fact that every new product we add to the range has been conceived, designed and manufactured to our specifications makes us stand out from the crowd. Jo and I source the bolts of leather, work with the designers on the concept and then rigorously road-test the samples personally and in our own homes before launching it to our customers,” explains Sallyanne.
This year, the retailer has seen a total rebranding, with Sallyanne and Jo deciding to rename the company Howat & Hutchinson in order to coincide with the launch of a fresh new website – with heightened user experience, easy-to-navigate product pages and quick and easy purchasing functionality.
The company is enjoying a growing and loyal customer base, and aims to cater to the diverse needs of the modern online shopper with its inspirational, striking website and a high level of customer service.
“The rebrand and launch of our new ecommerce website is definitely something we’re really excited about. It marks a turning point in the business, and will help us to move into new territories. Our goal is to increase the number of retailers we are stocked in throughout the UK, as well as increasing our online sales,” Sallyanne states.
“The ways in which consumers purchase is constantly evolving. This had a big influence over us expanding our online offering, to ensure we’re constantly meeting demands. We work hard to keep on top of trends to deliver the best quality products available in the interiors market.”
Two trends that Sallyanne and Jo are particularly interested in this year are the return of the fireplace and using bathrooms as living spaces. According to Sallyanne, making the hearth the heart of the home has never been more popular, with a noticable rise in people arranging their furniture to complement their fireplace.
“Framing this focal point has also started to catch on, with many homeowners choosing to specifically style this interior feature. A pair of our Butler tray tables act as the perfect framing pieces for fireplaces, and can be accompanied by a couple of lamps, a few photo frames and a book,” explains Sallyanne.
“When it comes to transforming a bathroom into a living space, a big trend this year is creating a peaceful and calming oasis. By adding luxurious, textured touches alongside porcelain ware and tiles, a real statement can be made. Our Hoxton footstool in natural cowhide can double up as somewhere to perch or pile towels, and our Pria vanity pots and Maisie make-up brush pots in soft ivory add a clean but decadent feel.”
Amidst the state of uncertainty in the marketplace following Brexit, Sallyanne remains optimistic, with ambitious plans moving forwards – namely expanding the three main areas of the business – retail, wholesale and interior design.
“Like all businesses, we’re waiting to see how Brexit will affect the market. But our loyal customer base and the new supporters that we’re attracting proves that people will continue to want beautiful things for their homes, whatever is happening in the world of politics! In the short-term, we are hoping to take advantage of the weaker pound to help us in our push to satisfy demand from customers abroad,” she says.
The launch of Howat & Hutchinson’s new website has helped significantly in attracting retailers, and the business is broadening its selected base of UK stockists.
What’s more, the company is also in the midst of planning a campaign targeted specifically at interior designers in the UK and overseas to bolster the design side of the business. It’s safe to say that the future looks bright for Howat & Hutchinson, and theirs is certainly a name to watch out for.
