ERIBÉ Knitwear | Company Overview 2024

About ERIBÉ

Established in 1986, ERIBÉ is an award winning knitwear design house and craft manufacturer based in the Scottish Borders, UK. We are a 'cottage industry gone global', and have an avid fan-base around the world. You can find our collections at 550-plus prestigious stores in 22 countries worldwide.

ERIBÉ Knitwear is steadily building up a growing and loyal fan base across the world; bridging generations of women and men who desire quality, colour and garments made with natural fibres that can be worn for years and remain on trend. ERIBÉ continue their philosophy of by people for people, welcoming all to visit their headquarters in Melrose.

Company Name: ERIBÉ Knitwear Ltd.

Inception: 1986

Based: Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland UK

CEO & Founder: Rosemary Eribé

Products: Traditional yet unique, Scottish Knitwear with a joyous modern twist, for both Men and Women.

Markets: 22 countries and 26 markets: UK and EU countries, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, NZ, Scandinavia

Team: An enthusiastic growing team

Production: ERIBÉ Manufacturing Ltd, fondly named ‘Woolly Towers’ – own Knitwear factory in Melrose, Scotland

1 partner factory in Scotland

2 partner factories in EU

Branch: ERIBÉ Distribution Branch for Europe in Poland

HQ & Showroom: Rose House, Dingleton Road, Melrose, Scotland, TD6 9QY

ERIBÉ Core Values

ERIBÉ is a genuine artisan brand world-renowned for putting an innovative spin on traditional Scottish knitwear; we champion sustainability, craftsmanship, slow fashion and eco-conscious living. Our collections offer a contemporary take on the vintage nostalgia evoked by timeless classic Scottish design that brings joy to every wearer.

Scottish - and proud to be so!

Inspired by this land. Its colours, its rugged hills and spectacular glens, we create design-led contemporary knitwear that is rooted in Scottish heritage tradition. We love to mix patterns, colours and yarns together in an innovative way to create quality knitwear that is made to last and a joy to wear.

Craftsmanship

ERIBÉ knitwear is made using hereditary skills handed down from one generation to the next. We know what we’re doing - our roots are in tradition and textile knowledge. We value experience and nurture new talent.

Sustainability

We are mindful of the environment, use the best ecological natural yarns, and work only with trusted partners. Through the ERIBÉ brand, we promote creativity and sustainable fashion with ethical production.

Made in Scotland

We are proud to have “Woolly Towers” - our own purpose built knitwear factory, equipped with new machines to increase production and support design development. This facility gives us control of production schedules so we can respond quickly to customer requests.

Timeline

From humble beginnings, ERIBÉ has grown to be a global player in designer Scottish knitwear.

1986 Born out of a desire for creative freedom and a talent for knitwear design, Rosemary Eribé set up ERIBÉ Knitwear whilst based in her student flat in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders.

1988 With ERIBÉ now established as Cashmere hand-knit intarsia specialists, Rosemary exhibits at international trade shows to secure export opportunities in the US and Japan.

1990 ERIBÉ expands into the German market and begins to investigate the possibility of an all-Scottish ecological garment.

1994 ERIBÉ launch their award-winning Shetland wool Ecology collection. By having garments knitted in Shetland using yarn spun from sheep bred locally, Rosemary succeeds in minimising the carbon footprint of each garment.

1999 ERIBÉ take over Scottish hand-knitting company Hermione Spencer and develop a distinctive hand-knit collection under the ERIBÉ brand. Expand to working with 240 handknitters throughout Scotland and England, ERIBÉ go on to become one of the largest hand-knitting companies in UK & Europe.

2000 ERIBÉ begin exploring Fairisle knitting techniques. The Brand has continued to reinvent this centuries old knitting technique to create design-led collections that put a contemporary twist on traditional Scottish knitwear. Throughout the following decade, ERIBÉ consistently produce innovative knitwear collections year on year and the Brand gains global recognition.

2008 ERIBÉ develop a Scottish heritage design to offer German and Japanese customers and add the first Fairisle circular yoke cardigan to the range. The “Alpine” as it is now known, goes on to become an international design classic that defines the ERIBÉ brand.

2011 ERIBÉ celebrates 25 years in business. By now the team has grown to 12 employees and the ERIBÉ brand can be found in 300-plus prestigious stores in 16 countries worldwide.

2012 ERIBÉ launch their first e-commerce website offering customers the opportunity to shop online for knitwear direct from the Brand.

2013 With a growing business and larger team, ERIBÉ moves to a large commercial unit and expands into manufacturing with the purchase of a further 2 Stoll knitting machines.

2016 ERIBÉ celebrates 30 years in business.

Timeline A new chapter begins...

2019 The dream of finding a suitable permanent home for the Brand becomes a reality and ERIBÉ move to a beautiful Georgian building in Melrose. As well as being large enough to accommodate the ERIBÉ team and showroom, the new building fulfils a long-held ambition to create a welcoming environment for visitors and to provide a space where people can gather to share and develop skills.

ERIBÉ expand knitwear production with the opening of “Woolly Towers” - their own purpose built knitwear factory. Equipped with new machines to increase production and support design development, ERIBÉ are utilising the craftsmanship and years of experience available locally to create and finish their knitwear to a high standard.

2021 ERIBÉ celebrates 35 years in business.

Despite the current challenges faced by the Scottish textiles industry and the trading difficulties presented by a global pandemic, ERIBÉ continues to enjoy year on year growth and is expanding into new markets such as Australia and China.

2022 ERIBÉ are delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal in her capacity as President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association to officially open their Knitwear Showroom.

ERIBÉ Knitwear expands into the South Korea market.

2023 The ERIBÉ showroom is kept busy with visitors from around the world who drop in to experience the full range of colours and knitwear.

ERIBÉ host special knitting events for knitwear enthusiasts from the USA.

Trade continues to flourish despite challenging market conditions and the ERIBÉ collection is well received.

Finalist for the Kings Award for International Trade.

ERIBÉ’s first brand ambassador ‘The Hebridean Baker’ is appointed.

2024 ERIBÉ is the proud winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade - the highest official UK award for British businesses.

ERIBÉ becomes A Living Wage Employer.

ERIBÉ Knitwear continues to be worn on TV dramas such as Silent Witness and Annika.

Awards and Accolades

2024 Winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade - the highest official

UK award for British businesses

2022 HRH The Princess Royal in her capacity as President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association visits both ERIBÉ Knitwear and ERIBÉ Manufacturing ltd 31st March 2022

FSB Award - International Business of the Year 2022 - Winner

2021 Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award - Winner

2019 Business Women Scotland Awards Finalist "Inspirational Woman of the Year"

Scotland’s Trade Fair – Gold Award for Best Product

Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards

2018 Scotland's Trade Fair – Silver Award for Best Product

2017 Scottish Woman’s Awards – Nominated Scottish Business Woman of the year

Winner of Best Scottish Knitwear Brand, SME Awards

2014 Winner of Business Quarterly (BQ) award – Scottish Export Team of the Year

Scottish Fashion Awards – Nominated Scottish Exporter of the Year

2013 Winner of Scottish EDGE fund

Scottish Fashion Awards – Nominated for Textile Brand of the Year

UK Fashion & Textiles (NatWest) – Nominated Exporter of the Year

2012 Scottish Fashion Awards Nominee - Textile Brand of the Year

Hand-knitting promotion at Hankyu’s British Fair in Japan

ERIBÉ host large-scale hand-knitting event at National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Part of MULBERRY’S BRILLIANT BRITAIN guide and our hand-knitters were part of their launch events

Part of SCOTLAND RE:DESIGNED, a Scottish government and Creative

Scotland trade show taking place in New York, Glasgow and Chicago

2011 Best Exporter Winner Award: Scottish Borders Excellence Awards

Best Exporter Winner International Trader of the Year

SFT Winner - Best Product Award

Scottish Fashion Awards - Nominated for Textile Designer of the Year

2010 Partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, Foursquare and Instyle magazine

USA for a winter promotion

2009 Winner of UK Fashion Export awards - Best Small Business Winner of FSB Small Business Champions Awards

2008 Winner of UK Fashion Export awards - Ethical Fashion

Scottish Winner – FSB British Small Business Champions Awards

Press and PR

As well as being featured in the press and in magazines, ERIBÉ products are often seen on well known TV celebrities. Monty Don, Kirstie Allsopp, Tessa Dunlop, Kelly MacDonald and the 6 year old lead actress in the film ‘The Shetlander’ have all been spotted wearing ERIBÉ. We also met with the late Queen Elizabeth’s dresser who bought several Alpines for Her Royal Highness. In 2021, our Corry Raglan Sweater and Alpine cardigan are both worn by lead actress Nicola Walker in the new UKTV series ‘Annika’ which first aired on 17th August.

Country Homes and Interiors

Gina Magazine

Monty Don in Gardeners World

British Gardens, a book by Keiiko Igata

Landhaus: Wohnen & Garten

Mr Partner

The Shetlander

Kirstie Allsopp Country Living Magazine

Kelly MacDonald Countryfile

The Hebridean Baker

Collections 2024

Slow fashion and sustainability are at the heart of what we do. All our garments are hand crafted using only the finest quality sustainable 100% Lambswool. Our collections help women and men fulfil their desire for unique self expression through creative designs that truly stand out. We knit that favourite jumper.

Alpine

The ERIBÉ classic! Our popular Alpine Collection offers a variety of styles including the iconic cardigan and sweater. Made with Yorkshire spun merino wool, the intricate patterns and 20 gorgeous colourways take months to design. Knitted in EU.

Montrose

Striking, bold and easy to wear with unique design details such as guernsey ribs, tweed and Fairisle charm. Made with 100% Merino lambswool, this knitting technique gives a flattering drape for comfort and individuality. Knitted in EU.

Stobo

Named after a very beautiful and colourful area in the Scottish Borders, Stobo garments are striped and Fairisle combined with a bold contrast stripe rib cuff. The pullovers can be worn back to front, or front to back, giving choice of colours or patterns for the day. Knitted in EU.

Stoneybrek

Designed for women and men, our Stoneybrek sweater combines the comfort and warmth of beautifully soft Merino lambswool with signature ERIBÉ styling. Knitted in EU.

Kinross

Kinross styles are a luxury addition to our much sought-after Fairisle collection. Inspired by the natural beauty of our Scottish landscape and traditional patterns from Shetland and Fair Isle, Kinross garments are made with a premium ultra-soft RWS certified merino lambswool.

Corry

A sustainable luxury fleece collection for women and men. Made with the softest Yorkshire spun 100% Merino wool and inspired by the contemporary renaissance in artistry and craft, sustainability is at the heart of this collection. Crafted in Scotland by ERIBÉ.

Soft Shetland

With more than a nod to nostalgia, our Shetland Collection for women and men is inspired by traditional patterns from the Fair Isle to the far North West of Scotland and knitted in 100% Supersoft Shetland Wool. Crafted in Scotland by ERIBÉ.

Accessories

Our colourful scarves, wraps, hats and gloves offer an unrivalled variety of texture, colour and pattern. All our accessories are made in Scotland and knitted with yarn spun in Yorkshire.

Rosemary Eribé CEO & FOUNDER rosemary@eribe.com

Alison Low MD & HEAD OF OPERATIONS alison@eribe.com

Miho MacEwen Watt LEAD DESIGNER miho@eribe.com

Steven Turnbull FINANCIAL CONTROLLER accounts@eribe.com

Piotr Turbak LOGISTICS MANAGER logistics@eribe.com

Shona Forrester SALES MANAGER sales@eribe.com

Scott Bramley PRODUCTION & PURCHASING MANAGER scott@eribe.com