John Smedley mixes heritage and innovation to survive luxury market challenges
John Smedley maintains its historic Derbyshire factory while blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to navigate a difficult fashion landscape.
Historic site meets modern machinery
The brand operates from a Derbyshire location that holds the title of the oldest continuously operating factory in the world. One building on the site dates back to 1784 while others house equipment from over sixty years ago. Skilled artisans work alongside hi-tech Japanese knitting machines to produce fine knitwear for the company.
Strategy against offshore competition
The company survives by combining its heritage with new designs and celebrity partnerships rather than moving production overseas. Most UK fashion manufacturing closed down more than thirty years ago as brands shifted to cheaper locations like China and India. John Smedley continues to employ a large team that includes workers with decades of experience.
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