Long-established and well-loved local business Jellicoe is moving into an exciting new phase.
Owners Deeanne and Gareth Hobbs, who already supply 80 stores around New Zealand with their Jellicoe and Deeanne Hobbs designer clothing ranges and hundreds of retail customers online throughout the country and globally, have made the decision to shut the doors of their retail store in the Whakatū Estate so they can concentrate on expanding the online and wholesale sides of their business.
“We have loved having the store open for our wonderful Nelson customers, but with two key staff leaving us it is the right time to make the change,” says Deeanne.
Shirlene Hunter has been with the company for 26 years and is leaving for Western Australia for a change of lifestyle, while Julie Brawley, who has been at the shop front on and off for 17 years, has also made the decision to retire.
Seamstress Sandy Langdon, who has been with Jellicoe for 24 years, faithfully sewing Deeanne’s designs into being, continues with Jellicoe. “She is going to be just as busy as ever, as will our other staff who work hard behind the scenes to help bring each collection to life,” says Gareth.
The changes are going to free Deeanne up to grow the fabric design side of the business, “Deeanne has special skills in that area, and it is very special to be able to incorporate her own designs in both our Jellicoe and Deeanne Hobbs clothing ranges.”
Each month a new range of clothing will continue to hit stores around the country and in Jellicoe’s online store. “We encourage our retail customers to sign up on the website to receive our monthly newsletters so that they can be the first to hear about the latest styles,” says Deeanne.
Deeanne has always had a love of ceramics, and in the small amount of spare time she has she will continue to produce her line of one-of-a-kind porcelain and white clay vases, bowls and sculptural pieces. Each are intricately detailed with texture, flowers, and enhanced with 24 carat gold. They are available from the Red Art Gallery in Bridge Street.
She and Gareth also need extra time these days for travel overseas to keep up-to date with international trends and fabrics and source the extra components they need that give their designs the unique style that has become their signature.
“Until the physical shop side of the business ends later in the month, we will have some good discounts in store and look forward to catching up with our customers. Although we won’t be seeing them in person afterwards, we will be very much interactive with them online.”
