Edge of the World

Business Details

36 Years

experience

Your Trusted Independent Retail Partner in Cumbria

We are a family-owned retail business established in 1990, dedicated to delivering quality products and exceptional customer service. Over three decades, we have expanded to operate eight stores across Cumbria and Derbyshire, pioneering the first Joe Browns franchise and managing partnerships with renowned brands like Joules and Weird Fish. Our commitment to British craftsmanship is reflected in The British Emporium, our sister company celebrating locally made products. With a team that includes founders Adrian and Julie North, we prioritise staff well-being, long-term relationships, and sustainable growth. Our 35-year journey demonstrates deep industry expertise, having generated 4 million annual turnover while maintaining financial stability.

We combine innovation with tradition, adapting historic buildings for modern retail spaces and fostering a positive work environment where employees have thrived for over 20 years. Our track record of successful franchise partnerships, including pioneering Karrimor's first brand store, underscores our market leadership. Through strategic expansion and a focus on community engagement, we continue to evolve as a trusted retail partner in the regions we serve. Our dedication to transparency, quality assurance, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering, ensuring every interaction reflects our core values of authenticity and excellence.

Services

Joules Franchise Stores Joe Browns Franchise Stores Weird Fish Franchise Stores The British Emporium Karrimor Brand Store Development

Details

Year established: 1990

Highlights and features

We have 35 years of independent retail expertise since 1990
Pioneered the first Joe Browns franchise in the UK
Operate The British Emporium showcasing authentic British-made products
Maintain 4 million annual turnover with financial stability
Create lasting employment opportunities with team members staying over 20 years

Website

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Services

Joules Franchise Stores

We operate multiple Joules franchise locations across Cumbria and Derbyshire. Our stores offer the complete Joules collection including clothing, accessories, and homeware. With expert staff and carefully curated product selections, we bring the distinctive British style of Joules to local communities while maintaining the brand's signature quality standards.

The British Emporium

Our sister company showcases authentic British-made goods from independent producers. We carefully curate products that represent traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. This platform supports local artisans while providing customers with unique, high-quality items that celebrate British heritage across various categories including food, textiles, and homeware.

Franchise Development

We specialise in creating successful franchise operations for national brands. Our expertise includes store concept development, location adaptation, and brand representation. With pioneering experience like establishing Karrimor's first brand store, we deliver franchise models that balance brand integrity with local market requirements through strategic partnerships and operational excellence.

Historic Retail Spaces

We transform historic buildings into modern retail environments while preserving architectural character. Our experience includes adapting 14th-century structures for contemporary brand representation. This approach creates unique shopping destinations that respect historical context while meeting modern retail needs through thoughtful design and sensitive restoration techniques.

Long-Term Employment

We provide stable career opportunities with professional growth potential. Our team benefits from a supportive work environment where experience is valued. With some employees staying over 20 years, we demonstrate commitment to staff well-being through consistent employment, skills development, and recognition of individual contributions to business success.

People

Adrian North

Co-Founder

Co-founder actively involved in daily operations with 35 years retail experience. Committed to staff welfare and sustainable business practices while maintaining financial stability through strategic decision-making.

Julie North

Co-Founder

Co-founder instrumental in shaping company culture with focus on team development. Shares leadership responsibilities with Adrian North, ensuring consistent values across all eight store locations through personal involvement.

Questions

When was Edge of the World established?

We were founded in 1990 by Adrian and Julie North, with our first store opening in Bowness-On-Windermere.

Which brands do you operate as franchises?

We currently manage stores for Joules, Joe Browns, and Weird Fish brands across Cumbria and Derbyshire.

What is The British Emporium?

It's our sister company celebrating authentic British-made products, offering carefully curated items from local artisans and producers.

Do you have stores in historic buildings?

Yes, we've successfully adapted historic properties including 14th-century buildings for modern retail use while preserving architectural character.

How many store locations do you operate?

We currently operate eight successful stores across Cumbria and Derbyshire, including multiple locations for different brands.

Reviews (2)

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Ashley Robert Reade

Oct 08, 2021 Report

So to end our lovely holiday in the Lakes we decided to pop down to the shops and do some last minute shopping before we began our journey home.
carried with us was my back pack with personal belongings in, money and food for the journey home. When we entered the Edge of the World store in Bowness on Windermere with our 2 year old daughter and 2 dogs, we heard the shop alarm go off for reasons we were un aware of. To which a store assistant approached us and was very abruptin saying "You have set the alarm off" I was very confused as I had no idea why we would set the alarms off and said that we

Kenneth Boulton

Jan 07, 2020 Report

Very poor service item advertised in shop at one price but charged a higher price at till. Shop assistant said price at till was correct not that shown on the top. She checked the same top on the racks and said the others were also incorrectly price so she would have to change them. Not particularly good customer service.