Vintage fashion retailer has been hit by Brexit, Covid and international tariffs
Joanie is known for its vintage-inspired collections(Image: Joanie)
Manchester-based fashion retailer Joanie Clothing has announced its unexpected closure after nine years of trading. The brand, renowned for its vintage-inspired collections and celebrity partnerships, built a global customer base through its online platform.
However, company directors have now confirmed via social media that the business is entering “the final chapter”. In an extensive Instagram statement, they attributed the demise to the “challenges of recent years”, citing Brexit, the Covid pandemic and newly imposed international tariffs as factors that are “taking their toll” on operations.
Whilst the website remains accessible, it appears orders can no longer be processed. The announcement also directed customers to “contact FRP Advisory with any questions”, with the comments section on Instagram posts now disabled, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The complete statement began: “Thank you! Joanie has entered its final chapter.”
It went on to explain: “We created Joanie over many years of hard work, and have been a proudly independent brand and business for over 9 years. We’ve enjoyed many successful, fun moments along the way but in recent years we have met with so many challenges too, many outside of our control.
“Brexit, Covid, economic uncertainty, and most recently barriers to international growth in the form of new tariffs and conflicts, each have taken their toll. We’ve tried our very best to respond to the adverse trading conditions we’ve faced and find the strength and means to keep going, but unfortunately there is no more.”
The brand then turned its attention to the “Joanie Gals” worldwide who have championed the label throughout its nine-year journey. Renowned for its extensive size range and vintage-inspired aesthetic, the brand has recently worked with notable figures including American Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks.
The company has forged memorable partnerships with Manchester-born fashion designer Celia Birtwell, alongside an innovative collaboration with Coronation Street featuring a collection drawing inspiration from the cobbles, terraces and retail outlets of the beloved Manchester soap opera.
The statement continued: “To the good ship Joanie, and all who’s sailed in her, everyone who’s given us a leg up, helped, listened, advised, freelanced, lugged stuff, bought stuff, made stuff and supported our little business idea along the way we’d like to say a huge thank you.
The Celia Birtwell x Joanie clothing range(Image: Mark Gregson/Joanie Clothing)
“To our talented, hard-working team who helped create this lovely, responsible, brand, we say well done, it’s been a privilege to do things our way, with pride and resilience. We wish to thank all the skilled freelancers, suppliers and partners who have helped us make, promote and sell our collections. We are so sorry that the situation has forced us to end our fantastic work together.”
The brand concluded with a heartfelt message of gratitude to its customer base. It said: “We are hugely grateful to our loyal Joanie Gals around the world who have bought our clothes and, in many cases, filled whole wardrobes with our label. We have been so proud to dress you, to help you look and feel the best version of you.”
Entrepreneur Lucy Gledhill established the label in Manchester in 2016, with the vision of producing feel-good garments infused with a touch of nostalgia.
Named in honour of Lucy’s Great Auntie Joanie, the brand embraced the philosophy of purchasing less whilst prioritising quality, and advocating for “slow fashion”. Although the company was based in Ardwick, Manchester for eight years, its registered office relocated to North Yorkshire last year.
