A privately
owned UK company, Clarks is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
and retailers of shoes. In 2003/4, with 13,900 employees, 39 million pairs
of shoes generated turnover of £943M. It has nearly 2,000 outlets in
the UK as well as operations in the US, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan,
Thailand. Clarks’ brands also include Ravel; Bostonian; K; Hanover.
The Early Learning
Centre is the UK’s leading multi-channel toy designer and retailer,
whose target market is 0-6 year old (pre-school). The ELC brand is accessible
through a multi-channel sales network, including over 200 UK retail stores,
over 50 concessions stores in Debenhams, wholesaling arrangements with Boots
and Sainsbury’s and direct sales through its catalogue and website.
In 2004 ELC was acquired by Eagle Retail Investments Limited, a company set
up by Tim Waterstone.
Founded in 1976,
Liz Claiborne Inc. designs and markets an extensive range of women's and men's
apparel and accessories appropriate to wearing occasions ranging from casual
to dressy. The Company also markets fragrances for women and men. Sales revenue
for 2003 was $4.2B. In March 2004 Liz Claiborne was listed at number 1 by
Fortune magazine on its annual list of America's Most Admired Companies. Liz
Claiborne also provides innovative support for women's groups in the areas
of economic advancement, family violence, AIDS, and child development.
Mexx is a Netherlands-based
global lifestyle retailer that was founded 1980 with the launch of Moustache
(for men) and Emmanuelle (for women) clothing brands. The unified brand was
established 1986 and Mexx Kids added in 1990. Mexx has since diversified into
Sport; Fragrance, Shoes, Time, Bags, Bed & Bath, MiniMexx Home (furniture
for babies and toddlers) and Socks. With 2003 revenues of €634.4M, the
company has operations in 44 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East,
Asia and Canada. Mexx was acquired by US retailer Liz Claiborne Inc in 2001.
Established in
Toronto in 1973, and still privately held, ROOTS is Canada’s leading
lifestyle brand, selling a wide range of clothing, leather goods and accessories
for men and women of all ages. Inspired by their teenage summer-camp experiences,
the founders created a business celebrating the natural beauty and culture
of Canada. The company’s emphasis on an athletic lifestyle and team
spirit makes it a natural fit with the Olympic Games. In 2004 the company
dressed four countries: Canada, the US, Great Britain and Barbados. ROOTS
products are available through 225 branded stores, including 140 in Canada,
5 in the US, 12 in Taiwan and 68 in Korea.
Privately-owned
by the Lewis Trust, River Island Clothing Company was established over 50
years ago. The UK-based fashion clothing retailer operates nearly 300 stores
across the UK and Ireland, franchise outlets in seven overseas markets in
Europe and the Middle East, plus mail order and web sales operations. In 2002
it generated sales of $605.7M from a market aimed primarily at the young buyer.
As well as fashion clothing, River Island also sells accessories, jewellery
and footwear.
Since the first
New Look store was opened by Tom Singh in Taunton in 1969, New Look has expanded
rapidly to become one of the leading high street clothing brands. By 1994
it had over 200 stores, and that year launched the 915 brand, targeted at
the younger female market. 2003 saw the takeover of the Mim chain in France,
expansion into the Republic of Ireland, and the opening of a flagship London
store. Having floated successfully on the London market in 2002, the company
went private in 2004 with Phil Wrigley as CEO. It now operates more than 700
stores throughout Europe, and prides itself on its supply chain management
and its ethical approach to the environment and to working conditions.
In 2002 Sports
World acquired the UK’s most famous name in sports retailing –
Lilywhites, the prestigious London store. Sports World, who also trade under
the Sports Soccer brand, were the fastest-growing player in the £4 billion
sportswear market in 2002. The company, which is privately owned, currently
has around one million sq. ft. of trading space and an aggressive expansion
plan for coming years. It stocks products from all the major brands and prides
itself on offering its customers unbeatable value.
Waterstone's
is part of the HMV Group plc, which launched on the stock market in 2002.
The store’s reputation has been built upon an unparalleled range of
books, and enthusiastic and knowledgeable booksellers. The first Waterstone's
opened in London in 1982. By 2003 the company had become the UK's leading
specialist bookseller, with almost 200 high street and academic campus shops
across the UK, Ireland and Europe. In 2001 Waterstone's formed a strategic
alliance with Amazon.co.uk to relaunch the Waterstone’s site powered
by Amazon's e-commerce platform
