Crew Clothing acquires Saltrock Surfwear chain

Crew Clothing has acquired Saltrock Surf in a pre-pack deal, saving 25 of the surfwear chain's 30 stores and 162 jobs.

Saltrock Surf, whose stores are concentrated around the South West with some stores in Wales, was placed into administration on 17 August and was acquired by a subsidiary of Crew Clothing Co Group. 

The business had been owned by James Brent, the outgoing chairman of Plymouth Argyle football club, who said he had been obliged to relinquish control of the chain after it hit trading challenges.

"We are proud of the growth we’ve achieved over the last eight years, but now is the time for Crew to drive the business forward," he said.

Crew also has its roots in the South West, having been founded in the back of a windsurfing shop in Salcombe in the early 90s. It has gone on to become a national chain with stores in coastal and market towns across the country offering nautical-inspired smart-casual clothing for men and women.