There may be a new name above the door, but a countrywear clothing shop in Barnard Castle still has the same high quality goods, as Sarah French reports

WHILE a new season always means the arrival of the latest collection, at one popular shop in County Durham this spring has also brought a fresh new look and name. Fox & Field is the new name of Zara Countrywear, a favourite on the Market Place at Barnard Castle.

But while the name has changed, the shop still offers the same popular brands including Seasalt, Jack Murphy, Toggi and Hunter and personal customer care.

Owner Donna Dobson explains: “The need to change our name was forced upon us but we’ve seen it as an opportunity to refresh the brand and give the shop a new look.”

Donna named her shop after her daughter, opening it soon after Zara, was born. The shop has traded successfully for seven years, selling high-quality country boots, tweed coats and clothing by independent British and Irish brands to customers who typically own horses and dogs and enjoy country pursuits. It has built up a loyal clientele from across the North for its brands, that also include Musto and Mountain Horse, boot company Le Chameau and handbags by Yoshi and Owen Barry, plus many more.

So Donna was shocked earlier this year to be threatened with legal action by global fashion retailer Zara, receiving 40 pages of legal documents demanding that she change the name, take down her website and popular Facebook page and destroy everything from bags to business cards. Unless she rebranded, the company threatened to sue her. The demand came just weeks after the shop was burgled and thousands of pounds worth of stock was stolen. After taking legal advice, Donna says she had no option than to make the changes, hence the new brand.

She has also taken the opportunity to revamp the interior, but the staff team remains the same.

Donna, 44, who is well known in Teesdale, adds: “After getting over the shock, I’m feeling positive now and see it as an opportunity. Friends and customers have been really supportive and everyone likes the new name.

“We have a very different customer base to the high street chain and offer high-quality, British brands to discerning customers. We’re relaunching our online shop and Facebook page to spread even further the Fox & Field name and the beautiful area in which we’re based.”

Fox & Field, 20 Market Place, Barnard Castle, DL12 8NB. T: 01833-630922