Public given chance to own part of expanding Scottish 'sustainable' clothing brand

A “sustainable” Scottish clothing brand with outlets in Edinburgh and London is inviting members of the public to become part owners after launching a crowdfunding campaign to grow its presence, including possible new stores.

Meander Apparel aims to secure £150,000 in investment at a pre-money valuation of more than £2.7 million. These funds will support the expansion of its product range, team investments and international growth.

The outdoor clothing and lifestyle brand has flagship stores in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, and Seven Dials, London. It has already attracted investment from industry experts, including Colin Temple of Scottish footwear retailer Schuh and tech entrepreneur Neil Norman, who were drawn to the brand after visiting Meander’s George Street pop-up store in 2020. Both investors continue to support Meander as they lead the brand’s Crowdcube funding round.

The company creates technical clothing “designed for enjoying Scotland’s diverse weather conditions while exploring its picturesque landscapes”. The brand can boast a vibrant local following and has gained support from ambassadors including former Scottish rugby international John Barclay. It has also maintained partnerships with the Gleneagles Hotel and Townhouse.

Following the successful launch of its permanent stores in Edinburgh and London in 2022, the brand has experienced a 156 per cent increase in revenues, reaching £549,000 for the year. With plans to further scale operations by expanding its product line and increasing its retail presence across additional UK locations, the venture also sees “immense opportunities” in the digital realm.

Co-founder Steve Henry said: “We’ve experienced a period of sustained success and growth in recent years, but we’ve only just scratched the surface. We aim to introduce Meander to more cities across the UK, as well as targeting overseas markets like the US and Europe. With revenues growing from £72k in 2020 to £549k in 2022, and our plans for product expansion, increased retail footprint, and international ecommerce, we firmly believe there is enormous potential for Meander in these markets."

The global outdoor clothing market is worth some £42 billion and is forecasted to reach £63bn by 2028. Meander’s range of Scandinavian-inspired clothing has garnered attention from prominent figures such as Sir Richard Branson and a variety of Olympic athletes including gold medal cyclist Callum Skinner. The firm’s products are crafted using recycled and low-impact materials ethically sourced from factories in Scotland and Europe.

Fellow co-founder Jill Henry said: “Creating a brand that minimizes harm to the environment will always be at the core of our values. Meander is a brand for outdoor enthusiasts, and we strive to protect the planet we love to explore. We primarily use recycled, natural and organic materials across our range, continuously seeking ways to improve our sustainability practices. Our products are manufactured as close to home as possible, with Scottish and European suppliers. We are proud to collaborate with local factories in the Scottish Borders that have been in existence for over 100 years.”

The business offsets its carbon emissions by planting trees in Scottish woodlands and donating 1 per cent of its annual income to environmental charities.