UK clothing brand cuts 75% off all items as retailer ‘files for administration’ | UK | News

The brand, worn by Prince William, Richard Branson and Jessie J, has filed for administration after delivering huge sales. British lifestyle brand Gandys, which sells outdoor gear, has seen a dramatic drop in funding and slashed prices by up to 75% online and at its Covent Garden flagship store. The business was founded in 2012 by brothers Rob and Paul Forkan, who tragically lost their parents in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Starting out as a flip-flop brand, the company quickly expanded into travel-inspired bags, clothing and accessories.

A percentage of the brand’s profits were used to fund the Gandys Foundation. The charity aimed to build campuses for disadvantaged children in Ghana, Kenya and Bali. The project was approved by the Royal Family after the two brothers walked to Buckingham Palace in flip-flops.

One of the brothers, Paul, said: “We looked completely out of place. People came up to chat to us because they were curious, who are these guys? Who dresses like that to visit the Palace? Then Prince Harry came up to us and said, ‘You’re fucking laughing, aren’t you?’ he said. It was really funny. We joked that the invitation said ‘Summer BBQ’. ‘What? ‘Is that so?’ and it looked like he was going to find someone to talk to. We then told him why we took the plunge and our philanthropic work where we build Children’s Campuses to provide education in countries like Sri Lanka. He was truly inspired; “We had a nice conversation at the end.”

He continued: “William already knew who we were and what we had been through. Rob and I had lost our parents in Sri Lanka in the Boxing Day Tsumani of 2004. I was fifteen when they died, the same age as William when his mother Princess Diana was murdered. What happened in Sri Lanka motivated us to found Gandys and create a brand as a force for good and giving back. William was inspired by our work and very encouraging; he told us to go on and do what we believed in.”

The store is especially known for its bags.

One happy customer wrote: “Wow! I love my bag and I must say your website does not deserve it! The lining is beautiful, the amount of interior pockets is incredible, the side pockets with drainage holes are very roomy and still stays comfortable even when fully loaded. Can’t wait to try it at the beach next weekend.”

Another said: “Easy ordering process, great product – Love my new wax bag! Spacious, functional and great quality! Only downside is the delivery service, please replace from Evri! They were 4 days late on delivery and despite repeated efforts and complaining did not contact until 3 days after final delivery!”

One of these types of bags is now available for sale in the brand’s stores. website With a 60% discount, the price has dropped from £125 to £50.

Accordingly DrapersGandys filed the notice on March 25, citing the sudden withdrawal of funding. The case is currently ongoing with law firm Ellisons Solicitors acting on behalf of the company.

Reacting to the news, Jamie Irving, a client of Gandys who works in marketing, said on LinkedIn: “I woke up this morning to an email I wasn’t expecting; Gandys announced they were closing their sales.

“It made more noise than most brand news, to be honest. Gandys | B Corp has always stood for something much bigger than the product.

“A truly purpose-driven business, built from one of the most powerful and personal stories out there and backed up not just by words but by real actions.

“I read the founders book a while ago and I remember being really inspired by the journey they went through and how they turned it into such a positive thing for others.

“The impact they create through their organizations and the impact they have on communities is something most brands aspire to but few actually deliver.

“This is a reminder that even the most meaningful, mission-driven businesses are not immune to the challenges of today’s environment.”