Building On Over 130 Years Of Family Heritage At Hoggs Of Fife

Hoggs of Fife first began making hand welted country footwear in 1888 in Strathmiglo, Fife and have gradually built an excellent reputation across the Fieldsports and Farming fraternity for producing good quality, hard wearing products that can withstand the elements and be comfortable and hard wearing throughout the working day.

Still owned and managed by the Hogg family and based within the Kingdom of Fife, Scotland, Hoggs of Fife remain true to their craftsman founder, offering hand-made leather footwear today as well as handmade rubber boots and a complete offer of quality country clothing and accessories to provide comfort, style and protection from the elements to today’s Country enthusiasts.

During our recent Scottish Family Business Road Trip which saw us in Fife, it would have been remiss not to pop in to visit their two strong family businesses. So after our recent feature on the 134 year old Hoggs of Fife brand it was good to take the opportunity to take a look at the two ‘Fife Country’ retail shops, while we were in the area.

Our first visit was to their historic building in Strathmiglo. This is the same site from which Mr Hogg sold his first pair of ‘Fife Farm Boots’ from, back in 1888. It’s incredible to think that the business has thrived from this historic location throughout 134 years, albeit in different guises. It does help to explain the Aladdin’s Cave nature of the store layout, though as the retail space has expanded over the years. It was also great to see the historical reference point to the brand that has grown so successfully and also to see loyalty to other family business brands that were on sale too.

Our second destination was equally as impressive and very much a new site for this fascinating family business. Fife Country have just opened a concession in the lovely Caulders Garden Centre, in Cupar and what an impressive space it is.

Neatly laid out and integral to the garden centre is an impressive, more uniform space in contrast to the eclectic nature of its sister store. Fife Country Cupar has an excellent range of outdoor and lifestyle products that are very well presented and in truth, its difficult to resist temptation because of the excellent range on offer.

Family values remain at the heart of the business which continues to focus on delivering quality products and value for money.

The business continues to innovate, introducing new ranges to appeal to a growing audience with strong heritage links too. Loyalty is evident with plenty of employees who have been around for many years and there is an eye on the future too.

The outlet in the garden centre is a new experience and one that may well be rolled out more broadly going forward.

A family business with a real nod to the past but recognising the need for continued evolution, innovation and an eye on the future too.