Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted School Uniform Supplier in Blackburn
Established in 1925, Whittakers Schoolwear has grown from a small family-run textile business into one of the UK's leading school uniform suppliers. With over 450 schools served across the North of England, we combine decades of industry expertise with a commitment to quality materials and cost-effective solutions. Our team understands the unique needs of both educational institutions and parents, offering tailored services including uniform design consultations, bulk procurement, and a comprehensive stock management system that eliminates the need for schools to handle inventory. Through strategic acquisitions of established retailers like Wilkinson's of Swinton and Parker's of Bolton, we've expanded our reach while maintaining the personal service ethos that has defined our brand for nearly a century.Our 14,000 sq ft Blackburn headquarters supports seven retail outlets, each providing a modern shopping environment with extended summer hours to accommodate busy families. As winners of the National Schoolwear Association Award, we continue innovating through our online platform while upholding the values of quality, value, and exceptional customer service that have been synonymous with the Whittakers name since our founding.
Services
School Uniforms
Club Uniforms
Online Shopping
Uniform Design
Stock Management
Details
- Year established: 1925
Highlights and features
- We are an established school uniform supplier with many years of experience
- Quality uniforms & materials
- Excellent customer services
- Cost effective uniform supplies
- Professional services for schools & parents
What people say
Excellent customer service
Competitive pricing
Modern retail environments
Year-round availability
Award-winning retailer
Services
School Uniforms
We provide comprehensive school uniform solutions featuring shirts, blouses, trousers, and tailored garments. Our service includes size ranges from children to adults, with stock available year-round. Parents benefit from modern retail environments and competitive pricing across our seven Northern England locations.
Club Uniforms
Official stockist for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides uniforms. We offer full official ranges sourced directly from Girl Guiding and Scouts Shop suppliers. Sizes range from age 4 to adult XL, with in-store fitting available at selected locations.
Uniform Design
Bespoke uniform design service assisting schools with garment selection, colourways, and materials. We provide cost evaluations, lead time considerations, and free sampling with approval before production. Our expertise helps schools create uniforms reflecting their ethos and values.
Online Shopping
24/7 online ordering platform for school uniforms and club wear. The service includes school-specific product ranges, size guides, and home delivery options. Launched in 2013, it complements our physical stores with convenient access to our full product catalogue.
Stock Management
School-focused inventory solution eliminating the need for institutions to handle uniform sales. We manage procurement, storage, and distribution, freeing staff to focus on educational priorities while providing parents with reliable access to required garments.
People
John Hutchinson
Managing Director
With decades of experience in the schoolwear industry, John Hutchinson leads Whittakers Schoolwear's strategic direction. Under his leadership since 2008, the company has expanded through strategic acquisitions while maintaining its family business ethos and commitment to quality.
Bradley Hutchinson
Sales Director
Bradley Hutchinson oversees sales operations and customer relations, building on the company's heritage since joining the leadership team in 2008. He manages the transition to digital platforms while maintaining the personal service standards established over our century of trading.
Adam Hutchinson
Board Member
Adam Hutchinson contributes to strategic decision-making as a board member. His involvement ensures continuity in the company's family leadership structure while supporting modernisation efforts that maintain our core values of quality and value.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We serve schools and families across Lancashire and surrounding areas including Blackburn, Accrington, Bolton, Burnley, Southport, St Helens, Swinton, Keighley, Shipley, and Leeds.
Do you offer online ordering?
Yes, we provide online shopping for school uniforms with delivery options, complementing our seven physical stores across Northern England.
Can you help design school uniforms?
Our expert team offers free uniform design consultations, including garment selection, colourway options, cost evaluation, and sample approval before production.
Are club uniforms available?
We stock official Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies, and Guides uniforms in sizes from age 4 to adult XL with in-store fitting available.
What payment methods do you accept?
Our stores accept major credit/debit cards and cash payments. School accounts may have specific payment arrangements handled through our head office.
Do you buy existing school stock?
Yes, we purchase existing uniform stock from schools at cost price when transitioning to our service, helping recoup invested funds.
