Goose Island Designs Ltd

Merry Christmas from Benji & Ollie

2011-12-20T17:06:00.000Z

All set for Christmas...

Just wanted to share these photos’s of Benji and Ollie alldressed for Christmas, it’s their last day in the office before Christmas. Theyhad lots of treats and hugs from all the staff...

Merry Christmas

Love from

Benji & Ollie xXx

www.gooseislandshop.co.uk

2011-12-16T15:21:00.001Z

The Christmas cards are finally written andnow all that's left to do is put the finishing touches to the presents. That is one of the nice things about workingat Goose Island. Will it be knitwear for my mum and jewellery for my sisters? Or would they like the faux fur hats and scarves.

Decisions, decisions!!

Sharon

Sales Team
Goose Island

Home Sweet Home

2011-12-12T14:25:00.002Z

We’re finally back from our buying trip to the Far East it’s certainly a shock to the system arriving in the UK to sub zero temperatures!!

It’s definitely time to pop on some Faux Fur and break out the Knitwear…

It’s our first day back in the office today and we’re surrounded by beautiful samples for next season’s collection - so watch this space!! The new spring/summer collection is looking fab!

Karen

Director

Goose Island

Brrrrrr! It’s 1.5°C here at Gggoose Islanddd

2011-12-02T14:05:00.000Z

Brrrrrr! It’s 1.5°C here at Gggoose Islanddd. We had a delivery of knitted frill Ponchos this morning and they're almost all sold now so they are all being dispatched tonight – in one door and out the next J

Another good seller at the moment is our Faux Fur collection, so warm and snug. They look luxurious on and at this time of the year they’re so cosy – all the girls in the office tell me. They all have a piece of Goose Island in their wardrobe and love wearing their hats and scarves.

Stuart

IT / Graphics
Goose Island

2011-12-01T13:44:00.000Z

Hi all...
Christmas is coming and the Goose is getting fat….. or at least I am! All these social occasions to attend and dresses to fit in, just what will I do!!! Luckily Goose Island has some great outfits at great prices to suit everyone’s pocket; you must check out our website for the latest deals (www.gooseislandshop.co.uk). We have the perfect little black dress for your social ‘get-togethers’, an ideal addition to everyone’s wardrobe and perfect for all you budding socialites out there.
Hurrah, it’s the 1^st of December, which I’m sure many of you girls out there have been waiting for! Today heralds the end of ‘Movember’ and the demise of that awful moustache my man has been sporting! (although it was for a good cause) However, Radio 2 breakfast show presenter Chris Evans is embarking on the next stage, for….wait for it….’DecemBEARD’ Shhh girls, don’t tell the boys or kissing under the mistletoe just won’t be the same!!!!
Jayne
XxX

Tribute to Gary Speed

2011-11-28T13:48:00.001Z

The world of football is in mourning over the death of the national manager Gary Speed at the age of 42. Goose Island sends its thoughts and prayers to his friends, families and colleagues.

He was a true professional and well liked throughout football. He was an outstanding player with a consistently high performance throughout over 500 premier league appearances and over 80 caps for Wales.

We were all shocked by the news yesterday and would like to praise all of the players and media that did him proud by soldering on through a tough day yesterday.

Another point for the swans was well deserved and I know that he had high hopes for the swans this year and with the Welsh national team coming of age and form we are all devastated by the news.

Gary Speed a true footballing legend!

Karl Hutchings

Commercial Director

Goose Island

Christmas with Goose Island...

2011-11-28T11:55:00.000Z

Hi everyone, Looks like the Christmas run is underway! Our new look Retail website is bustling with orders. Our shop in Cowbridge is stocked with goodies and bargains for all of the Christmas shoppers enjoying the lights and festivities in this beautiful picturesque town. It was very busy yesterday with the Cowbridge Reindeer Parade, it’s always guarantees to draw a good crowd.

Claire form our sales department is also working at the Royal Welsh Winter fair today and tomorrow. We have a Goose Island stall there packed with a stunning collection of ladies clothing, jewellery and giftware. Why not pop over and say hello if you’re lucky enough to be there 28^th-29^th Nov 2011. So enjoy Christmas with Goose Island this year...

Stuart

Goose Island

Greetings from Bali the Island of the Gods.

2011-11-24T09:17:00.000Z

Greetings from Bali the Island of the Gods.

It’s been a long journey to get here as our connecting flight from Bangkok was cancelled so we had to spend a night in Bangkok which was great as it really broke up the journey. However yesterday was another long day of travelling starting at 5.00am – we finally reached our villa around 3.30 in the afternoon. The weather in Bali is sweltering! The temperature is in the high eighties and the humidity is very high. Last night we gathered enough strength to go out to get a sim card for our Bali phone only to find that the main road out of Seminyak was closed off due to a Balinese Ceremony taking place. The driver dropped us off and we had no option but to walk through the road and right through the middle of the ceremony – which is completely normal in Bali – nobody is bothered. We don’t know what the ceremony was for but there were approximately 200 Balinese people all dressed in white and gold with the ladies carrying offerings of baskets of fruit on their heads - there were musicians playing gamelan, Indonesian instruments which include gongs, chimes and drums. It was all quite dramatic but very much part of everyday life in Bali. This will be the first of many ceremonies that we’ll see over the next few weeks.

Karen & Pete

Directors

Goose Island

2011-11-21T12:32:00.001Z

Hi, it may be raining and grey outside today here at Goose Island Swansea but I’m in a Spring Summer moodJ. I have the pleasure of photographing our NEW Spring Summer 2012 collection. There are some rich & vibrant colours in exciting designs as well as some cool soft whites. Don’t want to give too much away just yet ;-) I'll treat you to some previews in my next blog... So far the camera loves them and I’m sure you will too...

Stuart

IT / Graphics
Goose Island

Wear your poncho with pride...

2011-11-18T11:42:00.000Z

Hi all,

I too can take in the beautiful vista of Fendrod Lake from my desk here at Goose Island, the mist has risen from the waters, the breeze gently blowing through the trees, hues of reds, oranges and golden browns surround the lake. The last of the leaves falling to the ground reveal the distant landscape of the rolling hills and dips of the Swansea Valley completing the scene.

Perfect weather for taking a stroll wrapped up in one of our gorgeous Goose Island ponchos, they too come in wonderful hues of Autumn., Must go now the phone is ringing again….. Must be someone wanting to place another order!

Bye :-)

Jane

Sales Team

Goose Island

2011-11-17T12:18:00.001Z

Hi

It is a beautiful sunny day here at Goose Island. We are very lucky to be situated next to a lake on the Swansea Enterprise Park and I have a fantastic view from my desk. Looking through the trees I can see swans swimming on the water. It is one of my favourite places for a walk with Ollie and Benji our gorgeous Goose Island mascots.

Sharon
Sales Department
Goose Island

Tomorrow is Beaujolais Day here in Swansea...

2011-11-16T11:54:00.001Z

Today I am full of anticipation as tomorrow in Swansea, where Goose Island is based, it is Beaujolais Day

To give some background to the history of this special day, the Beaujolais district of France had always made a ‘vin de l’anee’ to celebrate the end of harvest. In the early days it was only for local consumption where it was sold after 15^th December. The rules were relaxed in the 1950s and the new date for release was 15^th November, where it was then christened Beaujolais Nouveau!

Later the potential was seen to market Beaujolais Nouveau as it was an excuse to clear lots of ‘vin ordinaire’ at a good profit, and selling wine within weeks after harvest was great for cashflow. Hence the idea was born of a race to Paris carrying the first bottles of the new vintage; this attracted lots of media coverage and by the 1970s it had become a national event and in 1985 the date was changed to the 3^rd Thursday in November.

I personally have been celebrating Beaujolais Day for over 20 years, it has been an excuse to dress up and meet old friends. In the early years we used to look forward to tasting the Beaujolais Nouveau to see whether it was good or not; the bottles had arrived in Swansea on the day, they were chilled, and truthfully, they were not very good. As the years have moved on, I have to admit that I would not consider drinking the Beaujolais as a good rioja or perhaps a bottle of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon hits the right notes for me, this year though I might make an exception and sample a glass, or two, if its good!!

Beaujolais day is now celebrated across Europe, but, within the UK, I believe it is only Swansea, Cardiff and London who celebrate the day!!

Tomorrow, Swansea and the surrounding areas will be filled with people enjoying the day, with people travelling from far and wide to celebrate the occasion and the atmosphere!!

Claire

Customer Services Department
Goose Island

In six day’s time I will be on my way to Bali...

2011-11-15T08:32:00.001Z

In six day’s time I will be on my way to Bali with my husband Peter for our regular buying trip. As the buyer for Goose Island my job is to source and develop new products for our Wholesale Company and also our retail shops and website. Around 60% of our products are sourced from Bali with 40% coming from India. We work with small family run businesses and have worked with some of them for over 15 years! One of the factories we work with started with just 3 sewing machines in their home and now they have 2 large factories employing approx 80 staff and 90% of their work is for Goose Island. We regularly visit all the factories we deal with to ensure that the staff have good working conditions and we are very pleased to see all the workers are extremely happy! This makes us at Goose Island happy too!

Karen

Director
Goose Island

Wishing the Swans all the best for Saturday!

2011-11-14T11:50:00.001Z

Hi,

It's Monday morning here at Goose Island in Swansea but today there seems to be a buzz of excitement around the office as this coming Saturday we welcome to the city the premier league champions and world famous Manchester United. We have waited a long time to be in this position because the opportunities brought to this area by the success of Swansea City are amazing. Goose Island staff all support the Swans and our 4 season tickets are being fought over for this game.

Wishing the Swans all the best for Saturday!

Pete Hutchings

Director

Goose Island

Autumn Winter 2011 with Goose Island

2011-09-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

Goose Island | Facebook

2011-04-19T11:36:00.002+01:00

Goose Island Facebook

Did you know you can now like us on Facebook?

Wholesale Outlet Successful 1st day

2011-03-07T13:45:00.000Z

Wholesale Outlet Successful 1st day

Latest pic from our newly opened Goose Island wholesale outlet

Wholesale Outlet Open

2011-03-04T16:42:00.000Z

We are proud to announce that our New Goose Island Wholesale Outlet will be open from Monday 7th March 2011 - We'll post more pics here on Monday.

Open to the public Monday to Friday - a range of beautiful Clothing, Jewellery, Bags, Purses, Gifts, Home & Garden Furnishings - brought to you from the Far East...

FREE membership!

Goose Island, Clos Llyn Cwm, Enterprise Park, Llansamlet, Swansea, SA6 8QY

Goose Island Knitwear Collection Promotional Video

2011-03-01T17:25:00.000Z

Giving & Living

2011-01-07T17:00:00.002Z

We will be exhibiting our exciting NEW collections at the following trade shows for Spring Summer 2011:
16th-19th Jan 11 - Giving and Living - Exeter, Westpoint - Stand B120
6th-10th Feb 11 - Spring Fair International - NEC Birmingham - Stand 19J50
13th-15th Feb 11 - Pure - London Olympia - Stands K74 in Gallery and C62 / D61 in Grand hall
20th-22nd Feb 11 - Moda Woman - NEC Birmingham

We look forward to seeing you there...

The Clothes Show Live 2010

2010-12-09T14:19:00.006Z

Clothes Show Live 2010 (Why is the rum always gone?)

We had an amazing time this year, thank you to all who visited the Goose Island stand

Special thanks to male model Joseph and guest look alike Jack Sparrow for their brilliantly entertaining performances while promoting Goose Island around the NEC in Birmingham on Wednesday, see you all at the next show...

Best wishes from all of us here at Goose Island

If you managed to snap our Jack Sparrow, we would love to see your photos.... info@goose-island.co.uk

Goose Island December Sale

2010-12-07T15:51:00.002Z

Goose Island December Sale

Llys Kearns, Jersey Marine, Swansea SA1 8QL

An exciting selection of Goose Island Clothing, Jewellery, Scarves, Knitwear, Gift wear & Furniture all at knock down prices

We also have a fabulous selection of children’s gifts, perfect for stocking fillers!

Opening times:

Sat 11th Dec 9am-1pm

Mon 13th Dec 9am-5pm

Tue 14th Dec 9am-5pm

Wed 15th Dec-9am-5pm

Thu 16th Dec 9am-5pm

Fri 17th Dec 9am-4pm

Mon 20th Dec 9am-5pm

How much is that doggy in the window?

2010-11-04T13:34:00.001Z

Benji’s new little brother

His name is Ollie. He’s an 8 week old Lhasa Apso and considered sacred to the holy men and nobles of Tibet. He is settling in really well and gets on great with Benji. As you can see Ollie is adorable. I’m sure we’ll have may more photos of him with Benji to show you very soon…

The Emperor's New Clothes

2010-10-29T16:11:00.000+01:00

The latest adventures of Benji...

With the autumn weather creeping in poor little Benji is getting his fluffy white fur wet when he takes us out for a walk, I mean when we take him for a walk. Sharon in our sales department has come up with the perfect solution...

...His very own waterproof jacket. Surprisingly he loves it and showed it off in the office today before he took Sharon for a walk in the rain to try it out...

Cowbridge Fashion Week

2010-10-25T10:18:00.006+01:00

Goose Island Rolls Out The Red Carpet

Cowbridge Fashion Week was another huge success. The theme for the evening was “The Vintage Years”. The evening started with a parade along the high street featuring vintage cars, a vintage bus and representatives from all of the shops in their finest attire. Click the links below to see the video:

http://youtu.be/kM8nZCe-u2c (Thnks to Andrew Jones at Ty Hafan for this link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWZG1GFawMw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgtPkw665bs

Then it was back to Goose Island to welcome our customers with a champagne reception served by our stunning models Christie and Nicola while Joseph kept everyone in high spirits with his irresistible charm and charisma.

Special thanks to Christine Murphy for our wonderful models Christie, Nicola and new to our events, Joseph. Nicola and Christie's elegant look was all created from Goose Islands beautiful collection.

Mumbles Fashion Week

2010-10-01T12:10:00.002+01:00

Mumbles fashion week has been an amazing success. Last night saw the whole of Newton road, Mumbles, Swansea dressed to impress. All of the bars, restaurants and fashion boutiques turned out in style for a night of entertainment and hospitality. There were singers, musicians and fancy dress themes the whole length of the street. Goose Islands Mumbles shop entertained its customers with its own special warmth and hospitality in the theme of Pirates of the Caribbean. Our professional models, courtesy of Christine Murphy were Nicola, Christie and Joel. Dressed in some of Goose Islands new designs they looked stunning as they greeted our customers with their radiance and refreshments at the door. We also had a special guest in the form of Captain Jack Sparrow who delighted passers by with his pirate charm and posed for countless photographs with members of the public while directing people in for a closer look at our beautiful collections...

Models: Nicola, Joel and Christie - Clothes and accessories by Goose Island

Captain Jack Sparrow - (Stuart - Goose Island)

Thanks to Christine Murphy for our lovely models, Rhiannon Wheatley (Goose Island Retail Manager) for organising our mumbles shop for the evenings event, Stuart for Jack's guest appearance and all who turned out and visited our shop, making the evening such a success.

Benji – Top Dog

2010-09-20T15:19:00.003+01:00

King Benji in his new throne....um... I mean chair...

He really is Top Dog around here

Goose Island Spring Summer 2011

2010-09-14T11:43:00.004+01:00

We thought you might like to see how we prepare for the launch of a new season. Take a look behind the scenes of a photo shoot for some of our 2011 Spring / Summer collection...

Photography: Martin Ellard, www.grafichouse.co.uk
Hair: Lara Johnson – Lifestyle
Makeup: Jo Ribbons
Styling: Christine Murphy
Models: Christie, Emma, Joel

Take a look at Goose Island Autumn Winter 2010

2010-09-09T16:28:00.001+01:00

Goose Island - Autumn Winter 2010
Featuring an exciting new collection of clothing, scarves, knitwear and Jewellery

Autumn Winter Collection Arrives

2010-09-03T17:15:00.000+01:00

This was the scene outside our Swansea warehouse this afternoon when our Autumn Winter 2010 collection arrived. As you can see it also brought the tropical sun with it.

It took a while to unload everything by hand but we all help out on days like this. Thanks to all the staff at the Goose Island Warehouse who worked none stop in this tropical heat.

Thanks also to Benji for barking whenever the phones rang so we didn’t miss a call during this busy day.

Now all we have to do is pick it, pack it and post it…

Benji Power Napping

2010-08-25T17:36:00.000+01:00

One minute Benji is hard at work at his desk...

..The next he's "power napping"
Its a dogs life...

Meet Benji - Goose Island Mascot

2010-08-18T17:50:00.008+01:00

Meet Benji, Goose Island mascot. Loved and adored by Goose Island directors Karen And Peter.

Name: Benji Hutchings
Breed: Bichon frise
Duty: To keep Goose Island safe from delivery drivers
Likes: Long walks, dancing (especially when there is food about), hugs, hair cuts and posing with models
Dislikes: Rain

...Seen here fresh from his walk (and play in the long grass)

Like I said earlier, here he is (handsome little man) hard at work on one of our photo shoots in the Botanic Gardens...

We'll be keeping you up to date with more posts from Benji and his adventures...

Goose Island Party Plan Launch Night

2010-08-13T13:32:00.001+01:00

Congratulations

2010-07-12T16:37:00.001+01:00

Baby Doll Tunic Tops

2010-06-22T11:14:00.003+01:00

Baby Doll Tunic Tops

Features:

Colour - Duck Egg Blue
Floral print design
Gold pattern under bust line,
Elasticated back,
Tie fastening behind neck
100% Cotton (except trim)
Sizes 14 - 32 available

These were part of a large shipment part cancelled meaning BIG SAVINGS for you.

RRP £34.99

Single garment just £10 each plus £2.99 P&P

Wholesale bulk purchase available

Please call 0845 2706772

Indonesian Parasol

2010-05-27T11:14:00.004+01:00

Our beautiful collection of Parasol / Garden Shades are now available. Each one has been expertly hand crafted in Indonesia. What better place to design and manufacture these fine garden centerpieces. Detailed with gold carvings, this wonderful design brings gentle shade beneath while still maintaining a soft light ambiance above...

...Each one comes complete with a solid ornate stone base which many of our customers have chosen to decorate to compliment their garden design

Hand Crafted Indonesian Buddha

2010-05-21T17:00:00.000+01:00

This is just one of the many pieces of beautifully hand carved ornaments we have to offer. The detailing on this Buddha is exquisite. We have a vast collection of hand crafted furniture to match including chairs, tables even a bathroom sink / basin hand carved from petrified teak which can be viewed and bid on at our eBay shop… Click on the title above to view / buy

Last of our Evening Gowns

2010-05-21T11:03:00.002+01:00

This is a beautiful Prom / Evening Gown. Made by Midnight Collections, it has the look and feel of elegance. Shimmering in the light, embellished with diamante and beads, it will definitely draw the eye. We are auctioning this stunning gown, the last in this style, along with this beautiful matching stole

Goose Island Designs

2010-04-27T10:48:00.009+01:00

Goose Island is a treasure trove of exotic hand crafted jewellery and accessories...

...All carefully selected under tropical skies in the lush beauty of far eastern islands and hot bazaars of India to enrich your wardrobe.

We make all this available to you through our stockists throughout the UK and Europe.

Shimmering textiles, in hot tropical colours...

The first time Karen Hutchings experienced the fashion potential of Balinese products on a visit over 15 years ago, she knew she had to share it with everyone at home in Britain... Goose Island was born.

Goose Island started off as a small business in 1993. Karen used her own creative talents to transform the rich traditional design heritage of the Far East into fashionable clothing, jewellery and accessories which were eagerly accepted by UK shoppers.

From modest beginnings selling through house parties and craft fairs, Goose Island has grown to a well established retail and wholesale company. Today Goose Island supplies garments and accessories from Bali, India and other points East to over 1000 fashion outlets throughout the UK, Ireland and western Europe.