Redhound was established in 2010 and after an incredible 15 years, the time has come for a big change. Redhound will be closing at the end of June.
I know – it’s a lot to take in. But before you start panic-buying for your hound, let me tell you why this is happening, what’s next, and why this isn’t a forever farewell.
For 38 years, I’ve been making clothes, and for the last 15, Redhound has been our world. It’s been more than just a business – it’s become a community. Our clothing doesn’t just provide warmth on a cold day, and dryness on a wet one, it gives protection and happiness too. But after years of dreaming about a slower, more spacious life, it’s time for us to make the dream a reality.
This autumn, David and I plan to move to Suffolk – a county we’ve talked about living in for 20 years, where we already own our caravan bolt hole in Aldeburgh. While Redhound as you know it is closing, my love of sewing isn’t going anywhere. My sewing machine is coming with me, and if it’s possible, and feels right, I’ll still be making some beautiful things – just in a different way, at a different pace, and for a smaller number of people.
Why now?
The simple answer? Time. I’m turning 62 this year, and after running businesses for 35 years, I want time back in my life. Time for David, time for our three whippets, time for long walks on the beach, time to knit in daylight hours, time to cold water swim, time to just breathe without the constant pressure of completing the never ending TO DO list that comes with running a business.
Two key members of the team are retiring this summer and I know that their skills can’t easily be replaced plus, our lease expires at the end of June. With utility bills and rents rising, signing up for another five years just doesn’t feel right for us. Plus new EU rules making it impossible for us to ship to our European friends and US tariffs on the horizon it will seriously impact us financially.
I know this might come as a shock, especially if you’ve relied on Redhound to keep your whippet warm in style but I really don’t want it to be a sad goodbye – let’s make it a celebration of everything we’ve built together over the years. And of course, you’ll have three months to stock up on your favourite Redhound pieces before we close at the end of June.
What's next?
- A chance to visit! The dream house includes a space where you and your whippet (s) can stay in a cosy Suffolk retreat, exclusively for whippets, with no silly rules. A space where you can take time to relax and explore this dog-friendly county we have come to love so much. Where we get time to chat and maybe enjoy some homemade cake over tea together while all our whippets play or snooze in the sunniest spots.
- Keeping my creativity alive – I’ll always be attached to my sewing machine, in fact, I can’t imagine a life without it. It might be that I can find a way to make whippet clothes on a much smaller scale, possibly upcycling from other garments. If you stay connected, you’ll be the first to know about any special projects.
- Keeping in touch – This doesn’t have to be the end of our connection. I’ll still be sharing updates via my newsletter and social media, so if you want to stay in the loop, make sure you’re following along.
What you need to know
- Redhound’s last day will be 30th June, so if you’ve got a growing pup or a whippet wardrobe to refresh, now is the time to plan ahead.
- June 15th will be the last date that we'll be accepting returns, so take time to choose the right size, preferably not ordering three sizes with the intention to send two back.
- The best way to stay in touch? Sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram – I’ll be sharing updates of stock levels, behind-the-scenes moments, and sneak peeks of what’s to come.
- This is not goodbye forever. It’s just a new chapter for us. We don't yet know the details but whatever we do, it will include whippets.
From the bottom of our hearts, David, myself and the team want to say thank you for being part of this journey. For supporting Redhound, for sharing your lovely whippets with us, for every order, every kind word, and every bit of love you’ve sent our way over the years.
Now, let’s make these next three months a celebration of everything we’ve built together.
Debbie x
