Shopping Purdey
London's Beloved Sporting Outfitter
If I were to give out awards for heritage brand management, Purdey would undoubtedly be a recipient of an award for excellent stewardship and modernization. I can’t think of a brand of this size that executes as well in all areas. The product is interesting and well-crafted. The visuals are stunning. The retail space is inspiring and beautiful. It seems there’s just nothing Purdey can’t do and no place it can’t go.
Granted, Purdey is owned by Johann Rupert and his well-resourced Swiss luxury company Richmont, but just having a marketing budget doesn’t make for a good brand. There are probably more instances where big companies with large budgets screw these things up. That is certainly not the case at Purdey.
Founded in 1814 as James Purdey & Sons Ltd, Purdey is best known as a bespoke gunmaker and high-end sporting outfitter to the British upper class and appreciators of quality sporting gear. The company continues to do what made it famous—make some of the most elaborate handmade guns found anywhere. It also now offers a full complement of the necessary soft goods for the sporting lifestyle. I like to think about Purdey as the fancy city cousin to Campbell’s of Beauly. Both brands are incredible with certain amounts of overlap, but they are also different.
Granted, Purdey is not inexpensive. Although I think the clothing and accessories are fairly priced for what you get. If you compare this to something like Drake’s, it almost seems better priced, which is somewhat unexpected.
I have been thinking ahead to some upcoming Scotland trips this year and couldn’t help but really dig into the Purdey site. I know summer is approaching quickly, but the Purdey collection is irresistible to me. Some of my favorite pieces are below. I think you might agree that it’s nice to spend time in the world of Purdey.
Men’s Roughout Collared Boot with Commando Sole (Made by Crockett & Jones)
Purdey Wine and Cartridge Holder
Latch Coat
Travel Field Bar
Falconry Glove
Whistle Key Ring
Summer Norfolk Jacket
Cashmere Sporting Vest
Technical Yorkshire Field Coat
Rope Dog Collar
Merino Wool Fleece Vest
Boot Flask in Pewter
Great report.
Much credit should go to Dan Jago and his team for doing a great job keeping Purdey on track.
Purdy gained a chunk of market share in the top end classic field gear space after Holland & Holland’s years in the wilderness during the Tennant-Guinness Collection days and after the product gap created when H&H sold to Beretta.
Nobody else is close in regard to consistency.
That travel field bar is cool. I have been looking at "campaign" furniture on various vintage sites and this reminds me of that style. Handsome piece.