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28
Mar
New country clothing store to open in Harrogate
A new country store will open in Harrogate this summer.
Rufford’s Country Lifestyle will be based in the former Stray Ferret office at Cambridge Crescent, near the war memorial. The Stray Ferret relocated to James Street this month.
Rufford's, which sells country lifestyle clothing, footwear and accessories, and dog/pet accessories, will open on Saturday, July 5.
Brands such as Barbour, Holland Cooper, Fairfax & Favour, RM Williams, GANT, Dubarry and Guinea London will be on sale.
The store will serve customers from Monday to Saturday between 10am to 5.30pm, and 11am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
It will employ a full-time store manager and at least five sales assistants.
Rufford’s is a father-daughter business currently operating in Preston.
Co-owner Ged Clarke decided to venture into the fashion industry after his daughter and co-owner, Becky, suffered a serious neck injury that could have left her paralysed while showjumping aged 14. He said:
When we got to hospital the consultants thought her first vertebrae was broken and didn’t move her for three days. It turned out not to be, but all the tendons were damaged.
That’s when I decided clothes were a lot less risky than horses, and tried to steer her in that direction.
The company's first store opened in Preston eight years ago. Now, the pair have decided to expand further.
Mr Clarke explained why they have chosen Harrogate as the destination for their next store:
We’ve been spending time in Harrogate for several years and always enjoy the mix of small boutiques, big brand shops and all the bars, cafes, restaurants, galleries… It’s so full of heritage, a fantastic platform for local, home-grown businesses.
Cold Bath Road, King’s Road and Westmoreland; lively John Street; all the amazing independent eateries; the Royal Hall, the Royal Baths and the arrival of Grantley Hall all combine to make a really unique location with so much to offer.
Rufford’s is all about style and quality and this is reflected in everything from the lovely Georgian buildings to the existing retail landscape – and of course, it’s surrounded by so much stunning countryside.
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