Posted by Rachel Westall on 29 April 2025
Richard Arthur Chatburn and his sons, John and Roger Chatburn started the company as the textile firm they worked for was being sold and they didn't align with the proposed direction of the new ownership.
How has the company evolved?
Much more just-in-time stock management and most business is now done online.
What do you specialise in?
Fine quality fabrics, primarily designed to be used as shirting.
Talk us through the current fabrics you're particularly excited about. Do you have a favourite?
It's hard to pick a favourite from over 300 but I'm a big fan of Oxford cloth. It's versatile, hard wearing, soft and comfortable. Our range is designed to be a one stop shop. There's a choice of fabric to suit almost any occasion that you can think of.
Our range is very classic and so blue stripes are always going to be the most popular. Recently, more fashion fabrics such as Denim and floral prints have also risen in popularity.
Hobby & crafts have boomed over the last two years! Have you noticed any new trends?
We noticed an increase in this area during Covid. Demand for our fabrics reached an all-time high amongst customers using our products for hobby and crafting. Since then, although it has reduced somewhat, we still have regular customers from this sector of the industry.
How would you advise a retailer who is interested in stocking your products?
Talk to us first and discuss what you're trying to offer your customers, we can often provide a little direction and advice in regards to suitability of fabric and long-term availability of the fabrics in the collection as they do change throughout the year.
Our skill is being able to help the customer achieve their goals. We offer advice about the fabrics based on the criteria customer provide and hopefully realise their expectations. We provide a fast and efficient stock service with exceptional customer service and after care. We ship our goods globally, so we have an excellent knowledge of international logistics.
Do you visit any trade shows? Do you plan to visit any soon?
We've exhibited at various shows over the years but currently we are not taking part. We've also visited many of the larger shows and expect to do more of this in the future.
What are you looking forward to most over the next year?
Covid was a challenging time for us all and to be honest since then it has felt like we've just been treading water. It's an exciting time for us as it's our 50th year of trading. We moved into our new premises only a few months ago and so we are looking forward to really growing the business as we have a renewed vigour – it's a fresh start for us.
What new products can we expect from you in the future?
Sustainable fabrics are a growth area so expect more of these. Currently, we have a small range of products that fall into this category but as more of our customers ask for them, we respond.
Acorn Fabrics
+44 (0)1282 698 662
sales@acornfabrics.co.uk
www.acornfabrics.com
