Earlier this week, British heritage brand Denby plummeted into administration.
The news served not only as a blow to the UK's crockery sector, with the company established in Derbyshire in 1809 on a site where all Denby table ceramics are still produced to this day, but also as a reminder of changed customer habits.
Today, dupes of Denby items are on sale for less at websites like Temu and TikTok shop, and with the cost-of-living crisis still looming, shoppers are favouring knock-offs to the real thing.
The British brand, which will continue to fulfil orders online and in-store as normal, appointed administrators as a result of rising costs and dwindling customer interest.
Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said via the Caterer: 'Denby is one of Britain's most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally.
'While it is disappointing that the group has been unable to secure the investment needed to continue as a going concern, the strength and recognition of these brands is undeniable.
'We are focused on progressing the sale process as quickly as possible, and we would encourage any interested parties to come forward without delay.'
But Denby isn't the only British heritage brand to suffer in recent times; Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater have also been grappling with tumbling sales and customer interest.
British heritage brands are suffering from e-tailers like Temu selling versions of their items for a fraction of the price.
Wedgewood, founded in 1759 by the pioneering Josiah Wedgwood, quickly rose to prominence, earning fans in high places - its elegant, often hand-painted china was used in Buckingham Palace, the White House, the Vatican, and even the Kremlin.
Today tells a different story, and some of the once-prized porcelain pieces are gathering dust or heavily discounted on online marketplaces.
In September, after seeing lower demand in key markets, Fiskars, the makers of Wedgwood, halted production at its Barlaston factory for up to 90 days. Production resumed in January.
Meanwhile, Emma Bridgewater, which has sold pottery items since 1984, has suffered a series of business blows in recent times, and in 2024, posted a pre-tax loss of £4.4m for the 12 months to April 27, according to City AM.
A quick scroll on Temu reveals a plethora of items on offer like those sold at Denby and Wedgwood, but for a fraction of the price.
A set of two ceramic plates that bear a strong resemblance to Denby's costs just £9.91, unlike the British heritage brand's price tag of £21 per plate.
It's much the same for Denby's £33 Halo Speckle Small Rectangular Platter, which looks much like a version available on Temu for £16.54.
One floral dining set, which includes 16 pieces, is sold on the website for £44; but a similar set from Wedgwood would cost upwards of £200.
Denby's Bright Blue Speckle Medium Coupe Plate is £21 for one - but on Temu shoppers can get a similar looking set of two for £9.91
Denby's Halo Speckle Small Rectangular Platter costs £33 - unlike a version at Temu, which costs £16.54
Temu is brimming with items that bare a resemblance to those sold at Wedgwood - and for a fraction of the price
Meanwhile, a tea pot in a Wedgwood style costs £18.64 on Temu, making it a much more affordable price than the original £240.
Food consultant and chef Renae Smith told the Daily Mail that fast fashion culture and a desire for convenience in all aspects of life are driving the population away from spending cash on high-end crockery.
'We're in an era where convenience trumps curation. People are eating on the couch, not hosting dinner parties, and when they do entertain, it's often with takeaway containers or one-off, budget-friendly buys from TikTok Shop. That shift in behaviour has hit heritage brands hard.
'Wedgwood and Emma Bridgewater were built on the idea of dining as an event, setting the table, bringing people together, creating memories, and putting in the effort. But that model doesn't sit easily with modern culture.
'These days, you can spend £10 on a trending glass that looks great, lasts a few months, and by the time it chips, you’re ready to move on.
'It’s fast fashion for the dinner table... and while I don’t necessarily agree with it, it’s thriving because it fits the mindset of now.
'We want what we want, when we want it. And unless that mindset shifts, I don’t see the trend disappearing anytime soon.
'I do think there’s still room for investing in quality, especially in things like bakeware, which isn’t tied to trends in the same way.
'But when it comes to plates, cups, jugs - the more visible, lifestyle-led pieces - people are shopping with their eyes, their phones, and their wallets. And that leaves heritage brands in a difficult position.
'It’s not just about how we eat. It’s about how we live. And for many, the idea of setting a formal table just doesn’t hold the same relevance anymore.'