M E Howitt is an established traditional family business which started in 1940 with Mr Maurice Howitt Senior and wife Marjorie. They had 2 children, Maurice and Maureen and all lived in the shop which still stands today in Alton, Hampshire.
Mr Howitt Senior was in the Royal Lifeguards, as a saddler, so he continued the business. He was often working on the harnesses for the horses from Courage Brewery.
The shop grew and there was a refit, and suddenly they were selling many more brands of leathergoods.
The shop grew in popularity, people came from afar to just own a saddle with the ME Howitts badge on. Alterations and repairs were worked on by Keith our longstanding and current saddler, all by hand.
Today the workshop is still very busy, repairing all types of leathergoods;
- Breifcases
- Handbags
- Gun cases
- Motorbike leather clothing
- Zip replacements.
To this day we are still as busy as ever, as a shop steeped in tradition, and this cannot be found easily in today’s world.
This well established family run business is still very much in the limelight based on it’s exceptional personal customer service. Our Saddler, who has been with us for over 40 years, undertakes all aspects of leather repairs including handbags, zip replacements, motor bike leathers, and pretty much anything else that needs stitching. If you buy a belt we are able to shorten it to fit your waist, as a free service to our customers.
Our leather shop is offering a service to our customers something seldom seen these days!
We have many styles of handbag, leather and vinyl, purses, wallets, and small leather goods of all descriptions. There is something for all occasions.
Our separate luggage department has to be seen, specialising in Antler, Revelation, and SkyFlite. Holdalls, underarm folios, briefcases, and on-board flight bags.
English walking sticks, in many colours and sizes, thumbsticks and collapsible seats.
Upstairs we have one of the biggest selections of Barbour jackets and wellingtons, hats, and caps. We also have sheepskin Morland slippers, Barbour slippers, Drizabone wax jackets and hats.
Our workshop upstairs has to be seen, we have a reputation from far and wide, so come and take a look!
