We Finally Did It. Our New Hollands Country Clothing Store is Officially Open!

I'll be honest, we’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time.

Our very first physical store has been quietly open at Lowe's Farm Shop since July, but the twenty-fifth of September was the day we finally exhaled. The ribbon was cut, the barn was dressed, the family was all there, and Hollands Country Clothing had its first proper opening celebration.

It's been a long time coming, and it was absolutely worth it!

A Store With a Story

Our new store sits within the Lowe's Farm Shop site in Cheshire, and I might be biased, but I think we've managed to make it not just a shop, but something rather special. 

Warm lighting, a wooden counter, and rails dressed with the brands we actually wear ourselves, from Dubarry to Deerhunter, Jack Murphy and Lighthouse to Joules, Ridgeline, and Ariat (just to name a few!) We’ve created a carefully curated selection of products for real country life, rather than just what fills a shelf. We've been recommending these brands to customers online for years, and we are so glad to finally be able to hand them over in person.

But one of the details I think we're all most proud of is the mural on the back wall. It's a watercolour that tells the Hollands family story, from the farmland and Disley Hall Farm to Malcolm's tractor, and a milk bottle bearing the name W.M. Holland, Disley Hall Farm, Disley. It's not just decoration, but part of where we come from, the Hollands Story. And on opening day, it turned out to mean more than we expected…


Pumpkins, Prosecco, and a Barn Full of Good Company

Now if you know us, you'll get it when we say we wanted the day to feel like a relaxed celebration rather than a corporate launch, and personally I think we did quite a good job! The barn opposite the store was opened up for extra space (and as a precaution against the inevitable September showers) and decked out with festoon lights, vintage wagon wheels, hay bales, and pumpkins, which sparked some exciting chat about a future Hollands Hoe Down. Watch this space...

And in true farming style, no one was left hungry. Wooden crates were filled with locally sourced sweets and savouries: brownies, bakewell tarts, quiche, and pastries. Two of our trusty warehouse team, Lucas and Leo, were on hand at the drinks station with bottled beers on ice, prosecco, and the pièce de résistance: cocktails and mocktails served in our specially made mini milk bottles, and if you made it through the door, you'll know there was a goodie bag waiting for you too. But more on those in a moment.

Along with loyal customers and locals, many of our suppliers and brand reps made the effort to come in person, and it meant a lot to have everyone there. Cheshire Clay Studio, who share the Lowe's site and were hosting the start of the Goostrey Art Festival on the same day, took the time to come and celebrate with us, orange aprons and all. It was a lovely reminder of the brilliant community we've found ourselves part of at Lowe's, and the conversations that happened went on considerably longer than planned, which I think is always the sign of a good day.

The weather, of course, did what September in Cheshire tends to do and offered a bit of cloud and a bit of drizzle, but that didn't dampen the mood. The barn helped, and if anything it got people thinking about good old country coats and wellies, so we can't complain! Matt, Rob, Uncle Mark and I were all on site for the ribbon cutting, and we were honoured to have Graham, owner of Lowe's Farm Shop, do the honours. Two family businesses, one ribbon, and one milestone Hollands moment.


A Face from the Past

Those mini milk bottles weren't just a nice touch. They were a nod to something much closer to home, and none of us could have prepared for the moment a certain gentleman arrived at the store having seen the piece about Hollands in the Manchester Evening News. He hadn't come for the prosecco or the pastries. He came because, years ago, he worked on the original milk delivery round with Malcolm, our founder, and when he saw the article, he wanted to make the journey over to show his support.

Of course, we welcomed him in, and he shared a big smile when he saw the famous milk bottle had made it to pride of place on the mural. One of the original bottles, a precious family memento, is still kept at Disley Farm to this day, and it was that same bottle that inspired the mini milk bottles, so when we handed him one to take home, it was a very wholesome full-circle, and picture-perfect moment.

It really was a highlight of the day for me. A man who knew Malcolm right at the beginning of this journey, standing in front of the artwork that commemorates the family story, and holding a little piece of it to take home all these years later. It was definitely a moment that reminded us why a family business is worth building properly. Why the story matters, and why this store is far more than just a shop for us.


The Doors Are Open, Come and Visit Us!

To everyone who came on the day, we want to say a huge thank you. Whether you were a familiar face, a supplier who made the journey, a customer who has been with us since the market stalls, or someone who simply spotted the sign and wandered in- it meant more than you know. The day was everything we hoped it would be, and then some.

And if you haven't made it yet, consider this your invitation. Hollands Country Clothing at Lowe's Farm Shop is officially open, and it's well worth a visit, not just for the clothing, but for Lowe's itself, which has plenty to offer on a day out in Cheshire. So come and say hello, have a browse, and see what we've been busy building.

You can also keep up with everything Hollands on our socials, or sign up to the mailing list to be the first to hear about new arrivals, events, and whatever comes next. We have a feeling there's a lot more to come yet!

If you haven't visited yet, we'd love to see you. You'll find us at Lowe's Farm Shop, pumpkins, mini milk bottles, and all. We can't wait to see you.



About the Author

Sarah Holland

With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Hollands - For Everything Country