Liz, Sarah and Chris Hellmers, Co-Directors of Essex-based independent homeware retailer and interior design studio Lathams, talk about the business, recent investments, why the industry needs to slow down and a decisive shift in the customer mindset.
Meet Liz, Sarah and Chris
We collaboratively lead the creative direction and business strategy, curating collections, overseeing our interior design services, and championing the vision behind our own label, Lathams with Love.
Recent investments?
In response to a growing and loyal customer base in the Middle East, we’ve recently expanded our international offering with direct shipping to Dubai – bringing Lathams Love to new homes overseas. This marks an exciting step in our continued global growth, allowing customers further afield to access our curated collections and signature craftsmanship.
Alongside this, we’ve invested in a wider and more considered Christmas collection, featuring exclusive seasonal designs and timeless statement pieces that capture the spirit of the season. Our focus remains on delivering quality, comfort, and style – pieces that not only enhance a home but become part of the stories made within it.
Future plans?
We’ve recently launched our website to customers in Dubai, an exciting step as we expand internationally. Looking ahead, we’re exploring ways to build a stronger presence in the Middle East through pop-up events and collaborations with local artisans and craftsmen.
At the same time, we’re continuing to invest in UK manufacturing, with our own China collection launching next year. It’s important to us to support traditional skills and keep production as local and sustainable as possible, while developing unique products that continue to inspire our customers.
What is your mission?
Our mission is rooted in celebrating craftsmanship, community, and the enduring spirit of the British High Street. As we continue to expand our own label, Lathams with Love, we’re focused on creating collections that embody quality, timeless design and thoughtful detail – pieces that feel as personal as they do stylish.
Championing independent businesses and keeping our high streets thriving remains at the heart of what we do. We believe in the power of local – supporting skilled makers, sustaining traditional trades and ensuring that bricks-and-mortar retail continues to offer something unique: connection, expertise and the joy of discovering beautiful things in person.
On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic?
Sustainability for us isn’t about grand gestures – it’s woven into our everyday approach. We prioritise quality over quantity, curating pieces designed to last rather than follow fleeting trends. By championing British makers and artisans, we support local production, reduce carbon footprints and help preserve traditional skills that might otherwise be lost.
We’re also mindful of our materials and sourcing, selecting natural fibres and responsibly made products wherever possible. Our philosophy is simple: buy better, buy less, keep longer. We’d rather sell you one beautiful piece that becomes a treasured part of your home for years to come than encourage a cycle of constant replacement.
How has recent business been? What trends are you noticing?
Business has been really encouraging. We’re seeing consistent footfall in-store, which speaks to the continued value people place on the tactile, personal experience of shopping on the high street. What’s been particularly exciting is the growing appetite for Lathams design across the globe – our international expansion has shown us just how universal the desire for quality, timeless homeware truly is.
We’re also noticing a decisive shift in customer mindset. People are increasingly wanting to invest in quality homeware design rather than make quick, disposable purchases. They’re looking for pieces with substance, craftsmanship and longevity – things that will genuinely enhance their homes for years to come. It’s a return to considered buying, and it aligns perfectly with everything we stand for.
What would you change in the industry?
If we could change one thing, it would be to slow things down. The home industry often moves at a pace that prioritises trends over timelessness, and we’d love to see a stronger focus on longevity – in design, in craftsmanship, and in relationships with customers.
We believe in creating and curating pieces that stand the test of time, rather than fleeting moments. Supporting British makers and independent retailers plays a big part in that vision – keeping skills alive, encouraging sustainability through quality, and ensuring the high street remains a place of inspiration, expertise, and genuine connection.
What challenges do you currently face and how are you overcoming these?
Like many independent retailers, we face the ongoing challenge of competing with the speed and scale of online giants. But rather than trying to match that pace, we’ve leaned into what makes us different – personal service, expert knowledge and products with genuine soul.
We’re also navigating the economic pressures affecting the high street. Our response has been to invest in what sets us apart: our own-label collections, our interior design expertise and our community. We’re not just selling products; we’re offering an experience and a relationship. That’s what keeps customers coming back, and it’s what will sustain us for the long term.
Do you have any staff you would like to pay special thanks or recognition to and why?
Our entire team deserves recognition – they’re the heart of Lathams. From our shop floor staff who create that warm, welcoming atmosphere customers love, to our behind-the-scenes team managing everything from logistics to design, everyone plays a vital role.
We’re especially grateful for their adaptability and dedication during periods of growth and change. Expanding internationally, developing new collections and maintaining the personal touch that defines us – none of it would be possible without their passion and commitment. They don’t just work here; they genuinely care about what we do and the customers we serve, and that makes all the difference.
Why do you think customers choose your business?
Customers choose us because they know they’ll find something that feels both considered and personal. At Lathams, we combine timeless design with genuine warmth – offering pieces that are made to last and a shopping experience that feels human, not hurried.
It’s also about trust. Our customers know they can rely on us for quality, consistency and a genuine understanding of how people want to live today – relaxed, stylish and surrounded by things that bring comfort and joy.
Final thought…
At its heart, Lathams is about more than beautiful homewares – it’s about preserving something special. The ritual of browsing in a shop, the expertise of speaking with someone who truly understands their craft, the joy of discovering something perfect for your home. These experiences matter, and they’re worth protecting.
As we grow, whether that’s shipping to Dubai or expanding our own collections, we remain committed to the values that got us here: quality, craftsmanship, community and genuine care. We’re proud to be part of the independent retail landscape, and we’re excited about the future – both ours and the High Street’s.
