As the name confirms, Famously Hawick is made up of 5 famous Hawick brands, but there is no doubt that it is the people within the teams who make these premium manufacturers what they are.
So, we thought it would be a good idea to introduce you to some of the hard-working people from each of the Famously Hawick businesses. By sharing these individual profiles with you, we hope that you will gain a better understanding about each of the five partners and what goes into the manufacturing of world class Cashmere, Tweed and Whisky. And by introducing people from within each of the businesses, we also aim to provide a personal insight about their role as well as asking some fun and illuminating questions along the way.
Introducing Retail Manager from William Lockie, Cameron Deans
What do you most enjoy about working at William Lockie?
The people I work with who are behind the scenes, those in the factory producing the wonderful garments I get to sell to customers in the shop. I love meeting people and seeing customers return time and time again. I also really enjoy seeing the smiles on people’s faces with their new purchases.
What is the most interesting thing about your role?
I love helping our customers to shop, helping them make decisions on colours and styles. And also seeing styles and fashions return such as the popular Fair Isle garments for both women and men. I am delighted to see so many of our customers returning from across the UK and Europe, we are a very popular stop for those on shooting and fishing trips.
Is there something that always surprises visitors to William Lockie?
The fact that people thinking that our camel hair garments come from a goat or sheep! Also, when I mention to customers that we employ 120 people from the town and produce 2,500 to 3,000 sweaters a week.
What makes William Lockie different or unique?
William Lockie is 150 years old this year and is still privately owned by direct descendants of William Lockie. In fact, the factory is still in the same location and there are even parts of the original factory which remain today.
What is the funniest thing that a visitor has ever said during a visit?
Not sure if the funniest but we had a gentleman in the other day who asked: “Do you remember me, I was here 6 years ago on a motorbike”. After re-introducing ourselves, I do recall that they had no room in their motorbike panniers and that they had to wear everything they bought under their leathers all the way back to Belgium!”
What, in your opinion, makes Hawick so special?
It’s definitely the people of Hawick, visitors always comment on the friendliness of the people in the town. It is so nice to hear people having been shown and told by local residents about the places that they should see and visit.
There is also no other town that produces the quality Scottish products that are made here as showcased by Famously Hawick. After 150 years, it is incredible that the culture, skills and heritage that go in to producing these world class luxury garments, still remains today.
Can you give us a surprising fact about Hawick that people might not know?
If you are born in Hawick, you are called a Teri. However, there are less Terie’s today as there is no longer a maternity hospital in the town. The Haig Maternity Hospital closed many years ago and is now a private house.
Is there a top tip that you would like to give to visitors to Hawick?
A must visit is Wilton Lodge Park, it has so much to offer everyone. There is a museum with changing exhibitions, an excellent café, a well-equipped kids play park and lovely walks, very popular with dog walkers.
In fact, we often get people in the shop as we are dog friendly, with such a great park and free car parking on our doorstep visitors love that they can bring their dogs in shopping too.
What do you like to do when not at work?
I love to take my two Miniature Schnauzer’s for walks, there are so many great walks just on the edge of the town. We are really spoilt for good country walks in the area.
Do you have a secret or surprising skill?
I am very proud to have sold a cashmere garment to the late Queen.
If you could bring back a fashion trend, what would it be?
Well that might be tricky as so much has already come back in fashion - Ponchos, Fair Isle jumpers and platform shoes to name but a few! Not that I am saying I wore any in my younger days.
What is your favourite movie? And if someone were to play you in a movie, who would it be?
The Shawshank Redemption is my favourite movie. And Daniel Craig if he is available!
How would you sum up Famously Hawick in just a few words?
Quality, style, variety, luxury and a uniquely skilled workforce.