When was the decision taken to start Steeple Pine? And why?
Once Distant Echo was in a comfortable place it was decided to branch out into Steeple Pine. It was a thought out process and not one that was rushed into.
After a couple of years of running Distant Echo we released we had the experience and fulfillment model in place to grow what we were doing.
At first we considered expanding the range on Distant Echo but after some market research we deiced what we had created with DE was so focused on celebrating football casual we'd be better starting a new site that could cater for a slightly broader clientele. And so Steeple Pine was born. Whereas Distant Echo catered for "the casual inclined", SP was created for "the discerning gent". Whilst there's huge crossover we felt separating them into two distinct brands was best to allow both to live to their true potential.
How was the decision made to stock the various brands that you do?
First and foremost everything we stock, we'd wear. That's rule number 1. Nothing goes on the site that we wouldn't endorse ourselves. To do something properly you have to believe it in, and when it comes to the clothes on your back there's no greater way of testing that than seeing if you'd wear it yourself. If we were to all turn our nose up at something in the office we wouldn't stock it.
Secondly, and easily, the brands we stock are labels we really like and are passionate about. The first brand I pitched Steeple Pine to was tuktuk. I'd loved tuktuk for years before reaching out and was absolutely delighted when we got them on board. Like all our brands they make real good quality items that look smart and don't require a loan.
Following that we spoke to young up and coming brands like Realm & Empire and Marshall Artist. Labels that have a story to tell, really care about what they're doing, alongside real staple heavyweights like K-Way and Superga.
When Distant Echo was founded, was it always the plan to open another store to run alongside it? Or was it a natural progression?
It was never a concrete plan but I'd be lying if I said I didn't think ahead. The idea for Steeple Pine, or at least an outlet for clothing beyond the Distant Echo range was always there, but I wanted to get the first site complete and stable first.
What plans does Steeple Pine have for the future?
Our offering is all about service. The internet is full of fly-by-night merchants in what we see as a race to the bottom with unsustainable discounting and shoddy delivery. We see ourselves as building a loyal customer base by offering the things we know you care about; quality items, fast and free delivery and reachable support should you need it.
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