Celebrating 65 Years in Business

This year we celebrate 65 years in business in the wool industry. Forty nine years as wool buyers and processors and thirty five as retailers of New Zealand made wool products. My parents Gordon and Janet Riach started the business in Taihape in 1958. Gordon was a country wool buyer, and his passion for wool saw him being innovative and forward thinking in his further processing of both greasy and scoured wool to improve and add value to the raw product.

In 1988 The Wool Warehouse was established by Gordon, Janet and myself as an outlet for affordable hand knitting yarn. The range grew to include socks, sheepskins, blankets and a few sweaters, all New Zealand made. By 1999 our direction had changed from selling affordable hand knitting to selling quality New Zealand made clothing and yarn, so we rebranded as The Wool Company.

In 2002 we built a new premises to house the expanding range of clothing. Today our range, our mailing list and online shopping site have grown exponentially, thanks to you, our loyal customers, without whom none of this would have been possible. We also have a dedicated team who strive to deliver quality Wool Company service to you.

Now the third generation have joined the team, and so the passion for wool lives on.