Rivet & Hide
Stockists is a series focused on highlighting some of our key retail partners around the globe. While all of our stockists share a common appreciation for quality products, each shop presents a unique vision informed by their environment, history and influences.
We originally met Danny Hodgson of Rivet & Hide through our friends at 3sixteen while at a trade show in Berlin more than five years ago. In that time we have formed a strong relationship with the London based retailer and watched them steadily grow from an online only business to the recent opening of their second brick and mortar location. Today you can find the widest selection of Viberg footwear in the UK at their shop and we recently wrapped up our second Made to Order event alongside them in as many years. We sat down with Danny to find out a little bit more about the business and his plans for the future.
When did you open Rivet & Hide and what were you doing prior?
We launched online in 2012 between the London Olympics and Paralympics. Our first store in London opened in March 2014 and this year we opened our second store in Manchester. My previous work was with British Airways for over 20 years. My background was service orientated which I guess has contributed to our success. I had no previous retail experience so the last 7 years have been a steep learning curve. I did it my way from the start as it was the only way I knew.
How does Rivet & Hide define itself and who is your ideal customer?
We sell raw selvedge denim and classic casual menswear with a modern twist of unsurpassed quality made primarily in Japan, USA or UK. An infinite menu of brands does not appeal to me. I prefer a smaller curation of the very best. Our ideal customer not only trusts us but responds to this quality and values the collections we put together establishing a personal wardrobe that is both timeless and elegant.
What is on the horizon for Rivet & Hide?
This year we have introduced new brands (with more to come) and opened a second store. It has been quite a rollercoaster period. The Manchester store is twice the size of London with plenty of potential and the response has been very positive so far. On the near horizon we shall build on our recent growth. We shall of course be introducing new Viberg styles as well as expanding our core range with the imminent delivery of the Service Boots in Natural Chromexcel.
How do you spend your time outside of the shop?
I mainly work from home with frequent visits to the shop. When I get away from the computer screen I love to cook, enjoy the garden and eat out with friends. I’m a keen skier so we’re hoping to combine a visit to the Viberg factory next year with a trip up to the mountains.
Name three businesses besides Rivet & Hide that visitors can’t miss in London?
Dawson Denim just opened their first shop in Hove on the South Coast. Not strictly London but only an hour by train. If anyone wants to see some truly gifted jeans makers at work in their new retail space it is well worth a visit and you’ll receive a warm welcome. Hove and Brighton offer a great day out at the same time. The Aram Store on Drury Lane selling furniture of original design only. It is truly inspiring and also has some great exhibitions. The Havelock Tavern at Brook Green was our local pub until we moved a little further west last year but we still go back. It’s a great British pub with excellent food and drink. It’s in a charming area of London with a village feel. I often take visitors from overseas there as they would never chance upon this corner of the city otherwise and they always love it. We usually go on a Sunday for a good roast and chill.
