Scottish Business Woman

Borders Telegraph Article

Japanese have a yen for Eribé soft furnishings

A BORDERS design house has bucked recessionary trends by scoring a notable business success in Japan.
Eribé Knitwear, based in Galashiels, clinched major orders at two trade fairs during Japan's Fashion Week, which ended on November 3.

The firm, which sources its products at Borders mills and also engages freelance hand-knitters across the region, showcased two new ranges: a new fashion story of its garments and accessories and a quirky line in interior design.

In the latter category, a hand-knitted Arran chair, with accompanying knitted tea cozy and teacup warmers, was very well received by buyers, according to Rosy Eribé, who founded her company 22 years ago.

"We learned that the Hankyu department store – The Tokyo equivalent of Harrods – had sold out our collection in three days and that they will be buying a lot more this winter, which is excellent news," she told TheSouthern. "We have been selling to Japan for 19 years and it is an extremely important market for Scottish firms. The design week gave us the ideal opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with Japanese buyers."

More than 50 Scottish firms and designers took part in the promotion, entitled From Scotland With Love.

"Despite the Japanese market crash and a weak yen, the Scottish look is really strong this winter and the shops in Tokyo were full of tartan clothes and soft furnishings," reported Rosy. "The Japanese public really appreciates the difference between what is made in Scotland and that produced in China."

Eribé will hold a fashon show as part of Glasgow Fashion Week next Wednesday, November 19.

Readers wishing free tickets for this event, which begins at 5.30pm, should email rosy@eribe.co.uk. They will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

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