Crabtree & Evelyn first set up shop in South Africa in September 1996 with the launch of a flagship retail store at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Since then the brand has opened eight retail stores in the country’s top malls: SandtonCity; Cavendish Square; MenlynPark; La Lucia; Hyde Park; Canal Walk and Design Quarter. The latter includes an exciting Tea Room concept.
In its 20 year history, the brand has also enjoyed a growing portfolio of wholesale clients including department and chain stores like Stuttafords, Edgars, Red Square, @Home and Dis-Chem. An impressive list of independent boutiques, nurseries, pharmacies, delicatessens, barbers, home and gift stores have also stocked its collections over the years. More recently, selected products have graced the pages of a number of online retailers such as Kalahari, Take A Lot, Superbalist, Spree, Rubybox and its own e-commerce site.
Popular for hotel guest amenities
Crabtree & Evelyn also secured one of the biggest hotel supply contracts of its time in 2003, with a range of Jojoba guest amenities gracing the suites of 11 Sun International hotels in five southern African countries. Between 2005 and 2012, Sun International’s five top hotels used Jojoba in all their rooms. The brand then went on to supply La Source to four Hilton Hotels in 2010 and Citron to the newly opened DoubleTree in 2013. Moreover, it supplied the local business and first class lounges of South African Airways for over 10 years.
Passionate about the brand
The sustained growth, popularity and achievements of Crabtree & Evelyn in a relatively small and increasingly competitive market are testament to the dedication and drive of its owner, Michèle Higginson. Her passion for the brand has inspired generations of its ambassadors over the past 20 years. Together they have carved an enviable place for Crabtree & Evelyn in South Africa.
With a strong retail presence in more than 65 countries, including over 200 wholly owned branded retail stores, Crabtree & Evelyn boasts five retail stores in South Africa. Its products are also available via an e-commerce website, and in over 25 Dis-Chem pharmacies and selected boutiques.
