A TRADITION OF AUTHENTIC FINE LEATHERS
1860
Gardiners began its humble life as a traditional tannery in Alvin Street in 1860. Tanning gloving leathers and progressed to horse harnesses.
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A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN SUPPLY
1896
The first production run of motor cars using a high-speed petrol engines hit the UK. A new direction of supplying shoe leathers and cut soles to cobblers was taken.
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A HERITAGE OF GROWTH THROUGH EVOLUTION
1966
During the 1960’s vulcanised soles became mainstream. Gardiners began supplying classic plimsolls, slippers, wellington boots and casuals.
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REVITALISING CASUAL FOOTWEAR
1970
Athletic shoes began making use of lightweight nylon and EVA foam leading to the rise of the trainer.
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STRENGH IN STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
1973
Gardiners were instrumental in the incorporation of a national consortium of five regional wholesalers. A new warehouse was opened showing boots, slippers and autumn shoes. National wholesaling began.
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RESPONSIBLE FOOTWEAR SOLUTIONS
1974
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 came into practice. The opportunity to market protective footwear was born.
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FIVE SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS
2000
From 1860 through to the millennia, five successive generations of Gardiners continued to run the business – the expertise is priceless and offers an unmatched service to the trade.
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MODERN SOURCING AND STOCK REQUIREMENTS
2008
After almost 150 years of trading from the Alvin Street address, Gardiners relocated to a purpose built 50,000 sq foot distribution facility on the outskirts of Gloucester.
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DESIGN & INNOVATION SUCCESS
2012
Investments in re-shaping, re-envisioning and evolving the in-house portfolio took place to allow for a strong brand experience from range-building through to retail excellence.
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GROWING BY PAIRING THE BEST BRANDS AND BEST RETAILERS
2013
A growing portfolio of brands that excite the end-user consumer gave opportunity for further space requirements. Building of an additional 30,000 sq foot bulk storage unit near the M5 began.
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A NEW WORLD OF VIRTUAL DISTRIBUTION
2014
In 2014, Gardiners invested and developed a unique Virtual Distribution software system. A new focus on e-commerce, drop shipping, listing management and omni-channel marketing allowed for a more consumer and retail-centric experience.
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OPTIMISING THE SUPPLY JOURNEY
2019
Software, layout developments and carrier integration with the Warehouse Management System optimises the global supply chain giving a seamless experience and satisfying demand. Gardiners by this point have UK distribution and strong partnerships with several global brands including Skechers (since 2007), Base London (since 2015), Hush Puppies (since 2016), and Muck Boots (since 2017).
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SCALING ONLINE RANGE EXTENSION
2020
Global lockdown restrictions saw the growing desire of our pre-existing virtual distribution software system and drop-shipping model. The emerging necessity for a focus on e-commerce, bespoke retailer integration, listing management and omni-channel marketing has allowed retailers to scale comfortably without the risk during unprecedented times. In 2019, Gardiners sales grew by 15% and 2020 by 20%.
The main drivers of growth in terms of supply model have been the growth of this range extension business which grew 17% in 2019, 90% in 2020 and our B2C business which grew 130% in 2019 and an incredible 246% in 2020. Gardiners staff levels grew by 15% during this pandemic year.
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GARDINERS TRIPLES IN GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE
2022
Gardiners very nearly triples in geographical size with the opening of two new specialist pick, patch and despatch units at the newly-built St Modwen Park near Gloucester, bringing its total warehouse area to just over an impressive 230,000 feet in size. With an environmentally-conscious approach in mind, the new premises holds some 30 charge points for electric cars, has eco-friendly responsive LED lighting, evaporative cooling to keep the mezzanine areas cool, destratifications fans and uses renewable energy sources. All mailing sacks use 100% recycled material and are recyclable and boxes used come from 80% recycled material and the other 20% come from FSC approved sources. Gardiners operate 100% diversion from landfill with all cardboard, plastic and confidential waste being baled up and recycled. The small amount left over is burned to generate energy.
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GARDINERS OPEN NEW SHOWROOMS
2023
Gardiners open several impressive large showrooms presenting a wide portfolio of lifestyle and safety footwear, clothing and accessory brands.