The Merchant Fox

About us...

Launched in 2011 by Deborah Meaden (Dragons' Den) and connected to the famous Fox Brothers mill in the West Country, The Merchant Fox is an online retail site selling an exquisite collection of luxury items that are designed, manufactured and crafted entirely in Great Britain.

Split into Home & Interiors, Work & Travel and Style & Accessories, The Merchant Fox's collection is inspired by the historic mill and the wonderful artisan producers who continue to make goods in this country. Customers from around the world are drawn to the collection of goods put together exclusively for sale on the site and with the launch of ‘By Appointment’, individuals are offered the chance to visit the former Counting House of Fox Brothers to see the entire collection for themselves, before placing their bespoke order for one-off pieces created specifically for them.

Wherever possible, an element of Fox’s fine woollen and worsted cloths is incorporated into the collection, from hand cut dressing gowns to leather goods created from British leather and skilfully crafted into products by a third generation leather worker.

Able to ship around the world, The Merchant Fox is a celebration of Great British craftsmanship, using an array of manufacturing processes from handmade to larger scale production, to create heirlooms for future generations.

Established in 1772 and acquired by Deborah Meaden and Douglas Cordeaux at the end of 2009, Fox Brothers produces fine flannel and worsted cloths at its West Country mill, which it then sells to fashion houses, tailors, leading designers and the fine tailoring houses of London’s Savile Row.

The historic Fox archive, which is housed in the former Counting House of the mill, is said to be “one of the most significant textile (company) archives in the British Isles” and as such is often used as a research tool, providing inspiration to designers as they re-create stylish and striking woollen cloths for their collections.

Officially credited as being the Standard Bearer for fine flannel, it is said of Fox, “when it comes to choosing flannel, always be sure to ask for it (Fox) by name”, advice that style icons like Hollywood legend Cary Grant, Sir Winston Churchill and the Duke of Windsor amongst others chose to follow.

Fox also supplies its exquisite cloths to The Merchant Fox to be incorporated into its collection of British-made luxury goods, which are sold online.