Gandys specialises in outdoor gear (Image: Getty)
A brand worn by Prince William, Richard Branson and Jessie J has filed for administration, offering massive sales. Gandys, a British lifestyle brand selling outdoor gear, has seen a dramatic drop in funding and slashed prices by up to 75% online and in its Covent Garden flagship store. The business was founded in 2012 by brothers Rob and Paul Forkan, who tragically lost their parents in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. Starting out as a flip-flop brand, it soon expanded to travel-inspired bags, clothing, and accessories.
A percentage of the brand’s profits were used to fund the Gandys Foundation. The charity aimed to build campuses for disadvantaged children across Ghana, Kenya, and Bali. The project was endorsed by the Royal Family after the two brothers walked into the Buckingham Palace in flip-flops.
One of the brothers, Paul, said: “We looked totally out of place. People came to chat with us because they were intrigued to know, who are these guys? Who dresses like that to visit the Palace? Then Prince Harry came over and said, ‘You’re having a f*cking laugh, aren’t you?’ It was really funny. We joked with him that it had said ‘Summer BBQ’ on the invite. He was like, ‘What? Did it?’ and looked as though he was going to find someone to have a word. Then we told him why we were in flip flops and about our charity work, building Kids’ Campuses to provide education in countries such as Sri Lanka. He was really inspired; we ended up having a good chat.”
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Gandys bags (Image: Google Maps)
He continued: “William already knew who we were and what we had been through. Rob and I had lost our parents in Sri Lanka during the 2004 Boxing Day tsumani. I was fifteen when they died, the same age as William when his mum, Princess Diana, was killed. What happened in Sri Lanka motivated us to start Gandys and to create a brand as a force for good and to give back. William was inspired by our work and very encouraging; he told us to keep going and to do what we believe in.”
The store is especially known for their bags.
One happy customer wrote: “Wow! I love my bag and I have to say your website does not do it justice! The lining is beautiful, the amount of internal pockets is incredible, side pockets with drainage holes and so roomy yet remains comfortable even when fully packed. I can’t wait to test it out on my upcoming weekend at the coast.”
Another said: “Easy ordering process, great product – I LOVE my new waxed bag! It’s roomy and functional and great quality! Only downside is the delivery service, please change from Evri! They were 4 days late with delivery and didn’t contact until 3 days after final delivery despite repeated efforts and complaint lodged!”
One of such bags is now offered on the brand’s website for a discount of 60%, with the price dropping from £125 to £50.
According to Drapers, Gandys filed the notice on March 25, citing a sudden withdrawal of funding. The case is currently ongoing, with law firm Ellisons Solicitors acting on behalf of the company.
Reacting to the news, Jamie Irving, a customer of Gandys who works in marketing, said on LinkedIn: “Woke up this morning to an email I didn’t expect – Gandys announcing their closing down sale.
“Honestly, it hit harder than most brand news. Gandys | B Corp have always stood for something far bigger than product.
“A genuinely purpose-led business, built from one of the most powerful and personal stories out there, and backed up by real action, not just words.
“I read the founders’ book a while back and remember feeling genuinely inspired by their journey what they went through, and how they turned that into something so positive for others.
“What they created through their foundation, and the impact they’ve had on communities, is something most brands aspire to but very few truly deliver.
“It’s a reminder that even the most meaningful, mission-driven businesses aren’t immune to the challenges of today’s environment.”