A COMPANY that started with a £600 investment had a turnover of £13million last year and has opened a store in Glasgow.
The Cambridge Satchel Company has taken up residence in Royal Exchange Square.
Following the successful launch of its new store in Covent Garden, London, this month, it has expanded north of the Border and opened in Scotland's two biggest cities.
Julie Deane, the founder and chief executive of the firm, said: "It is time we established a bricks-and-mortar retail presence in Scotland because we have so many Scottish customers.
"The stores in Glasgow and Edinburgh will allow us to show off our wonderful new collection of stylish bags - in addition to our classic satchels - all made in Great Britain.
"E-commerce is important, but it is hard to get that amazing leather smell online."
The Cambridge Satchel Company was founded by Ms Deane and her mother Freda Thomas in 2008.
They invested just £600 to get the idea off the ground and the company soon become a worldwide success.
They have remained committed to preserving British manufacturing as all of the company's bags are handmade in the UK.
The company has grown quickly, with collections now being sold in more than 100 countries, with an annual turnover of more than £13m in 2013.
The firm's two-storey 1921sq ft store in Royal Exchange Square opened on Saturday and is in the space that housed former luggage shop Bag and Baggage.
The shop combines the traditional wood interior with pops of colour from the Cambridge Satchel Company's iconic bright satchels.
It will be open seven days a week and stocks the company's best-selling core collections, including the Classic Satchels, Batchels and Music Bags.
The company's Pre-Spring '15 Collection is also in the store, as well as the brand's selection of men's designs.
Over the festive shopping period, the store will offer an in-house embossing service, with customers having the chance to personalise satchels bought for themselves or as a Christmas gift.
A gift wrapping service will also be available.
l cambridgesatchel.com
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