Almost Unwearoutable

Almost Unwearoutable began over 30 years ago as a shop selling hand-knitted socks and stockings in Watling Street, Corbridge, Northumberland. Owner Victoria Robertson had bought the business from William Nichol, who had been trading in the same village since 1936. As the newly branded Almost Unwearoutable grew owner Victoria Robertson decided to set up a mail order business which quickly flourished.

The quirky designs, superb quality and long-lasting quality of the socks and stockings led to successful shows throughout the UK and France and a healthy number of loyal customers. The bespoke motifs and customised sizes offered by Almost Unwearoutable appealed to a broad market, and the company’s reputation strengthened.
In 2002 Almost Unwearoutable decided to convert the mail order business into a website, opening up its markets worldwide. Victoria moved the business to her Northumberland home as the website sales increased.

A year later Victoria decided to devote much of her time to nursing her twin sister Eugenie who was diagnosed as having progressive supra nuclear palsy – the same debilitating condition from which Dudley Moore suffered. Sadly Eugenie died in 2007.

Despite Victoria’s lack of time to grow the business, she was amazed to see that it had taken on a life of its own through the power of the internet during the years she was caring for Eugenie.

New fairisle lines and a broader range of garments also caught the attention of London buyers and Harrods, the top London store, which ordered stocks of the full length stockings, berets and fingerless gloves.

In 2007 Victoria launched a brand new range – Urban- to meet demand from young stylish people who adore the originality, colour and warmth of the hand-knitted accessories.

Alongside Urban, the Rural collection goes from strength to strength. Testimonials from customers provide impressive evidence of the quality, distinctiveness and durability of Almost Unwearoutable products.

The company’s original values of top quality hand knitted accessories all made in Northumberland is as true today as it was when the business first began.