A look back on 2014

Whilst we are looking forward to greeting 2015 as our 80th year in operation, we fondly reflect on 2014 as a year of trials, tribulations and great success. Here are the highlights of a great year for all things Country...

After many months of hard slog, late nights, hair pulling and gatherings in the board room we finally launched our new all singing and dancing ecommerce website.  As with all things digital there were a few teething issues, but we gratefully thank our loyal customers for bearing with us during that time. We are still constantly tweaking the site to bring our customers the best shopping experience possible. After all, we stick by our motto of 'Best in the Country!'.

On the back of our ecommerce growth our team expanded too. We hope to introduce you to the 'family' over the course of 2015 so you can get to know the people behind the scenes that make the magic happen.

2014 was our 33rd year of proudly supporting Barbour as an official stockist.  Over the years we have seen Barbour, as a brand, go from strength to strength on the back of demand for all things British Heritage.  Celebrating their 120th during 2014 we are excited to show you what they have in store for 2015.  As always you won't be disappointed so watch this space!

Talking of the ongoing Barbour success we were delighted to hear the announcement of Drapers awarding them Winner for Menswear Brand of The Year 2014. Rightfully deserved too!

Hunter, another growing British Heritage brand, launched their new and improved Norris Field Boot. With a new and improved rubber compound and other new technologies, Hunter have put themselves back on the map as a solid choice for country pioneers. We look forward to more new and improved ranges in 2015.

Meanwhile, in the field of technical field clothing we saw Musto shake up the market with the arrival of their new 3 layer system; the ultimate in providing comfort and performance in the field. Comprising of a merino wool base layer, a Primaloft midlayer and a new technical outerlayer the Musto 3 layer system has been a winner in the field. 

The Musto 3 Layer System

Whilst we saw our existing brands go from strength to strength we were pleasantly surprised by one of our new field clothing brands, UK newcomer, Baleno.  Well known in other parts of Europe, Baleno provides a beautiful range of contemporary, comfortable and functional field sports wear. Specialising in technical field wear suitable for all roles, Baleno clothing is built on a foundation of technical craftsmanship and a continuous drive for innovation. Baleno, as a new brand, has done really well for us and we were pleasantly surprised with how well it's been received in the field. We look forward to extending our range in 2015 to give you even more quality choice.

New for 2014; Baleno

Whilst many of you will be taking it easy over the festive break, perhaps treating yourself to another Barbour jacket (one is never enough) in our sale, we are full steam ahead preparing for the new year ahead of us.  We would like to take a moment out of our hectic schedule to pay thanks to our loyal and highly valued customers. Without whom we wouldn't have survived 2014, or the 78 years prior.

We sincerely wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

From the FRS Countrywear Family.