A SCOTTISH bag manufacturer has announced its shock closure after 15 years in business, saying that rising costs and tax increases have made operating “untenable”.
Trakke, which was founded by Alec Farmer in 2010 and is based in Glasgow, announced its closure on Instagram on Wednesday.
Farmer said in a statement: “After 15 years in business we are closing our doors.
“Manufacturing in Britain has always been tough, but over the last few years, it has become harder and harder to make ends meet.
“Now, rising costs, tax increases, and the unpredictable financial climate have made it untenable for us to continue operating.
“We are heartbroken.
“Trakke was founded on the principle that we would support British manufacturing in an ethical and sustainable way – and we have stood by that.
“Since 2010, every single bag that we have ever produced was made right here in Scotland using some of the best materials available in the UK.
“Today, there are over 80,000 Trakke bags across every continent in the world. 80,000 bags worn by over 50,000 people. For us, that’s pretty humbling.”
Trakke was founded with a commitment to ethical and sustainable Scottish manufacturing, producing bags from the best materials available in the UK.
Since 2010, the company has manufactured all its products in Scotland.
The statement went on: “We have built this company together from the ground up.
“We would be nothing without our staff and nothing without you – our customers – who have supported us every step of the way. In doing so, you have allowed us to play a small part in your life.
“You have carried our bags with you every single day. You’ve taken us to work. You’ve taken us to school. You’ve taken us on holiday and on weekend breaks. You’ve taken us on first dates and wedding days. You’ve carried us up mountains, and to remote corners of the world.
“Trakke bags have seen it all, and that is a privilege we are eternally grateful for. So even though our journey is coming to an end, we have not failed.
“We have spent the last 15 years making things worth making. 15 years of doing what we love. And we are honored that you have loved it too. Thank you for carrying us all this way.”
Responding on social media, the Scottish firm Woven In The Bone wrote: “I’m in shock and really feeling for you …you are an icon for Scottish and UK manufacturing!
“You are right, times are really hard and scary at the moment. Best wishes for whatever you do next.”
A second wrote: “Thank you for all the inspiration you've given to the industry. Sad to see you go, but forever grateful for the journey you’ve taken us on with your bags. Honoured to have lived in the era of Trakke.”
And a third added: “Really sad, I have two bags and both are brilliant. Wish all the staff the best.”
