Meghan sparks surge in sales for denim firm
MEGHAN Markle has sparked a surge in sales for a Welsh denim firm after she wore a pair of their jeans on her first official visit to Wales.
Bride-to-be Meghan caused a “remarkable” rise in demand after donning a pair of the £230 black Hiut jeans on a visit to Cardiff with Prince Harry in January.
On the couple’s first official engagement to Wales in January, Meghan wore a black Stella McCartney coat and trousers by Welsh firm Hiut Denim.
The couple arrived in the Welsh capital to cheers. They visited Cardiff Castle before moving on to the Star Hub in Tremorfa after meeting well-wishers and chatting to those who had gathered to meet them.
Now, almost two months after the visit, Hiut Denim Co has back orders of three months – and has recruited extra staff after Meghan sported its jeans.
The firm’s small team of 20 machinists are pumping out 150 pairs of jeans a week following Prince Harry and his fiancée’s visit to the Welsh capital.
The firm’s owners say the increase in production is nowhere near enough to keep up with demand from fashionistas all over the world – with orders coming in from Paris and New York.
David Hieatt, 53, who founded the company with wife Clare, 49, said: “The website went absolutely crazy. We have a back order waiting list for three months. The effect has been remarkable. We are having two more people in and we’re moving to a new factory.”
Mr Hieatt, who used to run a stall at Pontypridd market, said while the backlog in orders might not suit customers used to quick online shopping, the jeans – costing up to £230 – were worth the wait.
He said: “Amazon Prime doesn’t teach patience, that’s for sure. But there’s something lovely about having something of a world-class nature and having to wait for it.”
Mr and Mrs Hieatt, who are both from the Valleys, launched their denim company in 2011 after working in PR in London and then selling their clothing firm Howies.
Former Suits actress Meghan, 36, will marry Prince Harry on May 19 at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.