Russians buy Pittards leather

A group of leading Russian businessmen made a recent trip to Somerset to purchase locally made leathers. A delegation from Edmins, an upmarket Russian fashion wholesaler, visited Pittards in Yeovil to finalise a number of contracts for the purchase of a wide range of glove leathers. Edmins, based in St Petersburg, is at the forefront of a rapidly expanding fashion industry in Russia. The company specialise in leathergoods and quality leather gloves which they sell through eleven own branded stores as well as in a further 200 shops across the country. Richard Anderson, Pittards' new business development manager, said: "The dramatic growth in demand for expensive quality product underlines the dramatic changes that have been occurring in Russia in recent times. 'Edmins is one of the leading brands in the country and there is certainly a demand in Russia among a growing sector of the population for top quality goods. Traditionally Russian consumers have followed Italian style but turning to a British manufacturer is clear indication that they are widening their fashion base.' The Russian visitors, which included Alexander Khokhlenko, general director of Edmins and his colleague Evgeny Tsivin, were given a full tour of Pittards followed by a presentation of fashion trends from a European perspective. 'The visitors said they selected Pittards because of our global reputation for quality but they were also interested in out new technical leathers and our new colour ranges', said Anderson. 'At the moment Russians are still very conservative on colours; 70% - 80% of the Russians still tend to buy black, although there is a market for darker browns, greens and blues. But things are changing and softer shades including wines and antique golds and even some pastels are beginning to be in demand.' Following the successful visit, members of Pittards' marketing team will be going out to St Petersburg shortly to visit Edmins and to look at co-branding opportunities in Russia.