HJ Sock Group are proud to announce a collaboration with Ben Fogle (the adventurer, writer, broadcaster and TV personality) in the production of a range of technical socks for launch in Spring 2010.

The range follows on from the highly successful ProTrek range and is seen as a step forward into more technical, high performance products.

The compact range of 6 products represents excellent value, with retail prices peaking at around £14.50 and will be offered mainly in men's and ladies' sizes, with one children's option.

Anton Jenkins from HJ says "Our success in 2009 with the Peter Jones Collection encourgaed us to look for more brand ambassadors and Ben is the perfect person to fulfil this role.  Ben's experience of the great outdoors was invaluable and has led us to create what I think is a highly commercial, compact range of technical socks."

Ben Fogle says "Socks, the unsung heroes of the great outdoors.  Unquestionably protective.  Behind every walk and trek, amble and ramble, yomp and hike is the sock.  The loyal garment cushions the impact, protecting the foot from heat and cold.  Neither seen nor felt, you may not notice a fine socks when it's on, but you'll know when it isn't.  Fighting blisters and cold, damp and odour, the isock is the ultimate garment.  Love your feet, love your socks."

 

We are pleased to confirm that the following six consumers are winners of our 365 Competition:

Mr. Herbert, Devon - Mr. Cox, West Midlands - Mr. Taylor, Isle of Man - Mr. Reid, Scotland - Mr. McAleese, N. Ireland - Mr. Shayler, Herts.

The winning retailers on our six territories are:

Lotsasox, Fleetwood - Man's World, Clarkston - Fields, Sidmouth - William Neville, Youghal - W. E. Clarke, Ripley - Ernest Newson, Clacton.

A huge 'thank you' to all stockists who participated; we have received in excess of 3,000 entries from consumers, all of whom have received a free pair of Softop socks.

May we take the opportuntiy to wish all of you a Happy Christmas & New Year.

Tim Davey, our Manager for the South East, getting into the Christmas spirit

A great many of our stockists are also stockists of Padders (Comfort Footwear for Ladies and Men) and it seems that the consumers who buy Softops also buy Padders.  We have met with the people at Padders and will be working on a few things together in the future, and were so impressed that we thought they deserved a mention - so whether you are a retailer or a consumer you should take a look at their range of shoes at www.padders.co.uk

A pair of Peter Jones Limited Edition socks were given to a local organisation as one of the prizes for their recent charity evening in aid of Children in Need.

The first prize was a fully inclusive 2-night weekend away at a 3* hotel in Torquay, Devon - the winner declined the prize and asked for the socks instead !

 

 

From an original batch of 24 pairs of a Peter Jones "Limited Edition" sock, 6 pairs are now available on ebay - 100% profit to Children in Need.  Please bid generously for this worthy cause.

Following trials carried out by Outdoor Enthusiast magazine, we are very pleased to have been awarded  "Editor's Choice" on the heavyweight sock in our ProTrek Range, style HJ814.  This is the second award we have received for this sock which reinforces our belief that we have created an excellent product at an affordable price.  To quote the magazine:

"ProTreks are well worth considering if you plan on doing any serious stuff in the hills this winter.  The fabric from which they're constructed combines the natural moisture absorption and insulation of wool with the low thermal conductivity of meraklon to keep your feet dry and warm.  They also have high density cushioning, arch supports, comfort toe seams, ankle supports and a useful lace guard - a lot of stuff in one sock - but above all they're soft, snug and good value, which are the basic essentials in any sock."

 

Our competition to to win a year's supply of socks is well under way and a free pair will shortly be posted to all those who have sent in an application form to date.

Meanwhile, here's one for the scrapbook - Clery's Department Store, Dublin.

 

July 6th saw the launch of a promotion on HJ Socks that allows the consumer to enter a draw to win 365 pairs of socks, and get a free pair of Softops into the bargain - all they have to do is buy 4 pairs of Softops from participating outlets.

So, retailers, if you want to know more, contact us or your Area Sales Manager - consumers should contact their local stockist (see website for locations)

 

We are pleased to advise that the Peter Jones Collection is now in stock and we are currently in the process of despatching all orders.  The response to this collection has been extremely good and we are very pleased with the media coverage at both national and local level. Radio Leicester has conducted live interviews with Anton Jenkins (Sales & Marketing Director) and Paul Kettle (Sourcing Manager) and we wish our customers every success with this colourful, uplifting range.

We have had a very successful show season with sales up on previous seasons and despite the current climate we are, therefore, in a very positive and optimistic mood at HJ.

 

 

 

Press  Release

The HJ Sock Group, the UK’s leading sock manufacturer, is proud to announce a collaboration with Peter Jones CBE in the launching of a new, bright and exciting range of socks.

 

Peter Jones is known for being one of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs, for his appearance on Dragons’ Den and particularly for his taste in bright and stripey socks; the development of a range endorsed by him was an inevitable step.

 

HJ Hall has been established for 126 years and is the leading branded manufacturer of socks in the UK.  As suppliers to the majority of independent retailers in the UK and several multiples, we have recognized that in these times of doom and gloom on the high street, the only way forward is with something new, bright and different.  This collaboration with Peter Jones is a reaction to an opportunity that can only encourage optimism and enthusiasm with high street retailers.

 

The official launch will be at MODA in February, where Peter aims to be in attendance, but product details will shortly be available through the HJ Sock Group Sales Team.  The suggested retail price point is £10 and the range consists of 20 options in Mercerised Cotton, up to size 14, with the added option of a display stand.

 

Contact Details

HJ Sock Group Ltd                                                               Peter Jones TV

Coventry Road                                                                      Palliser House

Hinckley                                                                                 Palliser Road

Leics                                                                                      West Kensington

LE10 0JX                                                                              London W14 9EQ

 

01455 638816                                                                      0207 4710502

07970 099983                                                                      07786 627429

Anton Jenkins                                                                       John Eastaff

Sales & Marketing Director                                                 Director of Licensing