Clothing shops in UK |
Image |
Established in UK |
Owned by |
Number of shops |
Type of shop |
Notes |
7 for All Mankind |
|
2000
|
VF Corporation |
5
|
American jeans company stuo |
Founded in Los Angeles by Michael Glasser, Peter Koral, and Jerome Dahan, the business was purchased by VF Corp. in 2007. The first UK shop opened in London in 2010. |
Acne Studios |
|
1997
|
Private company |
2
|
Swedish designer brand |
Founded by the Acne creative collective in Stockholm, the first UK shop opened in 2013. |
Adidas |
|
1949
|
Public company |
18
|
German sports manufacturer |
Founded by Adolf Dassler after he and his brother parted ways after WW2. Operates 18 shops including Adidas Originals, Outlets, Y3 and Stella, as well as six joint Adidas and Reebok outlets. |
Agent Provocateur |
|
1994
|
3i |
13
|
Ladies' underwear |
Founded in Soho by Joseph Corre (son of Vivienne Westwood) and his ex-wife Serena Rees. Purchased by 3i in 2007 for £60m. |
Akris |
|
1922
|
Private |
1
|
Swiss designer brand for women |
Founded by Alice Kriemler-Schoch in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Operates in London in Old Bond Street. |
Aldo Group |
|
1972
|
Private company |
|
Footwear retailer |
Founded in Montreal, Canada by Aldo Bensadoun as a footwear concession, the business expanded internationally and opened its first UK shop in 2002. |
Charlie Allen |
|
1984
|
Privately owned company |
1
|
Men's tailors |
Charlie Allen founded his tailoring shop in 1984. |
AllSaints |
|
1994
|
Lion Capital LLP |
|
Men's and ladies' wear |
Founded by Stuart Trevor and Kait Bolongaro from The Saint wholesale menswear business. The first shop opened in 1997. |
American Apparel |
|
1989
|
Public company |
19
|
American manufacturer and retailer |
Founded by Dov Charney, the American manufacturer moved into retail in 2003 opening its first UK shop in Carnaby Street, London in 2006. |
American Eagle Outfitters |
|
1977
|
Public company |
3
|
American clothing shop |
Founded by the Silverman family in 1977, the business opened its first UK shop in November 2014. |
& Other Stories |
|
2013
|
H & M |
7
|
Swedish clothing brand |
Upmarket clothing brand created by H & M, with the first UK shop opening in Regent Street, London in 2013. |
Anderson & Sheppard |
|
1906
|
Rowland family |
2
|
Men's tailors |
In 1906, Peter Gustav, also known as Per Anderson, founded Anderson & Sheppard at No. 30, Savile Row. Moved from Savile Row in 2004. |
Richard Anderson |
|
2001
|
Private company |
1
|
Men's bespoke tailors |
Founded by Richard Anderson & Brian Lishak, the business was the first bespoke tailoring house to open on Savile Row in 50 years. |
Ann Summers |
|
1970
|
Gold Family |
144
|
Ladies' underwear |
Founded in Marble Arch, London by Annice Summers. Purchased by Ralph & David Gold in 1971 and turned into a high street brand selling underwear. |
Anthropologie |
|
1992
|
Urban Outfitters |
10
|
Womenswear |
Founded in 1992 with its first shop opening in Wayne, Pennsylvania, US. The multigoods retailer opened its first shop in the UK in Regent Street in 2009. |
Aquascutum |
|
1851
|
YGM Trading |
3
|
Men's clothing |
Founded in Regent Street, London by John Emary. |
Ark |
|
1992
|
JD Sports |
5
|
Fashion retailer |
Founded as a ticket shop to ARK club nights in The Corn Exchange in Leeds, before moving into clothing. JD Sports purchased the business after it went into administration in 2013. |
Armani |
|
1975
|
Private company |
|
Italian fashion house |
Italian fashion house founded by Giorgio Armani, the business operates shops and concessions under several names – Emporio Armani / Armani Jeans / Gorgio Armani in the UK. |
Asda |
|
1949
|
Wal-Mart through subsidiary Corinth Services Ltd |
577
|
Men's, children's and ladies' clothing and footwear |
Founded as "ASDA Queens" from the merger of Associated Dairies and the Asquith family owned Queens Supermarket. George (named after designer George Davies) clothing was launched in 1989 replacing the Asdale and Asda ranges. Mintel estimate that George is the fourth largest retailer of clothing in the United Kingdom, after Marks & Spencer, the Arcadia Group and Next. |
Laura Ashley |
|
1953
|
MUI Group of Malaysia |
|
Ladies' clothing |
Founded by Laura & Bernard Ashley as Ashley Mountney in 1953 as manufacturer of headscarves, napkins, table mats and tea-towels. The first Laura Ashley shop opened in 1968. |
Azagury |
|
1987
|
Private company |
1
|
British ladies' designer brand |
Founded by Jacques Azagury, one of the creators of the New Romantic look. |
Ted Baker |
|
1988
|
Private company |
42
|
Men's and ladies' fashion brand |
Founded by Ray Kelvin in Glasgow as a menswear brand and retailer, and opened further shops in Manchester, Plymouth, and Nottingham. The Covent Garden shop opened in 1990 and in 1995 they started a Women's range. They now operate 42 standalone shops and various concessions across the UK. |
Bally Shoe |
|
1851
|
JAB Holdings |
5
|
Shoe retailer |
Carl Franz Bally founded his shoe making business in Switzerland in 1851. |
Banana Republic |
|
1978
|
Gap Inc. |
8
|
American fashion retailer |
Founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler as a retailer with a safari theme, the business was purchased by GAP, who repositioned the retailer to a more upmarket position. The first UK shop opened in Regent Street, London in March 2008. |
Jeff Banks |
|
1969
|
Private company |
16
|
British fashion designer brand |
Jeff Banks started his own designer brand in 1969, opening his first shop in 1975. |
Barbour |
|
1894
|
Private company |
30
|
Manufacturer and retailer of outdoor clothing |
Founded by John Barbour as an importer of oil cloth, the business operates its own retail shops as well as supplies wholesale. |
Basler |
|
1936
|
Private company |
6
|
German womenswear brand |
Founded as Fritz Basler GmBH & Co. in Kreuzberg, Germany as a manufacturer of coats. In 1997 it opened its first boutique in Hamburg, Germany, and opened its first UK shop in London in 2007. |
Beales |
|
1881
|
Public limited company |
29
|
Department store |
Founded by John Elmes Beale in Bournemouth. The business expanded rapidly during the 2000s, purchasing former Bentalls and Co-operative department stores. |
Bellville Sassoon |
|
1953
|
David Sassoon |
1
|
Ladies' clothing |
Founded by Belinda Bellville in Knightsbridge, London. David Sassoon joined in 1958 and the name was changed in 1970 from "Bellville". |
Belstaff |
|
1924
|
Labelux Group |
1
|
British designer brand |
Founded by Eli Belovitch and his son-in-law Harry Grosberg in Staffordshire as a manufacturer of all-weather jackets for motorcyclists. In 2011 the business was purchased by Italian business Labelux, and in 2012 opened a shop in New Bond Street, London. |
L.K.Bennett |
|
1990
|
Private company |
99
|
Ladies' clothing and footwear |
Linda Kristin Bennett is an English-Icelandic clothing designer who set up the first L. K. Bennett shop in Wimbledon Village in 1990. Bennett sold a 70 percent stake in the business in 2007 to Phoenix Equity Partners and Sirius Equity, a retail and branded luxury goods investment company. |
Berghaus |
|
1966
|
Pentland Group |
7
|
Outdoor clothing brand and retailer |
Founded by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison as LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1972 they launched their own brand of clothing called Berghaus to sell in their shop. In 1993 Pentland Group purchased the business. |
Berluti |
|
1895
|
LVMH |
2
|
Luxury menswear manufacturer and retailer |
Founded by Alessandro Berluti in Paris, the business was purchased by LVMH in 1993. |
Bershka |
|
1998
|
Inditex Group |
5
|
Fashion retailer |
Fashion retailer founded by the owners of Zara, the business opened its first UK shop in the Metro Centre in 2004. |
Blacks Outdoor Retail |
|
1861
|
JD Sports Fashion plc |
|
Outdoor clothing and footwear |
Formerly Blacks of Greenock, originally a sail maker, then tent maker, the company became Blacks Camping during the 1980s before becoming Blacks Leisure in 1994. It purchased rival Millets in 1999. It went into a CVA in 2009, before going into administration in 2011 and being purchased by JD Sports Fashion plc. |
Blue Inc |
|
1912
|
Marlow Retail Limited |
200
|
Men's and ladies' clothing |
Founded as A. Levy & Sons in 1912. Traded under various names including Mr Byrite. Blue Inc name introduced in 2002. Purchased by Marlow Retail Ltd in 2006. |
Ozwald Boateng |
|
1995
|
Private limited company |
1
|
Men's tailors |
Ozwald Boateng opened his first boutique in Virgo Street, London in 1995. He moved to his current location No. 30 Savile Row in 2008. |
Boden |
|
1991
|
Private company |
1
|
Men's, ladies' and children's clothing |
Founded by Johnnie Boden in 1991, the business started out offering menswear products. It has since moved into women's and childrenswear selling primarily online in several countries. The business has one physical shop in Park Royal, London and plans to open further UK shops. |
Bolongaro Trevor |
|
2006
|
Private company |
9
|
Men's and women's fashion brand |
Founded by Kait Bolongaro and Stuart Trevor after they had sold their shares in AllSaints. |
Bonmarché |
|
1982
|
Sun European Partners |
240
|
Ladies' clothing |
Formed by Parkash Singh Chima after the merging of two clothing business – Wiltex and Hartley, with the first Bonmarché opening in 1985. Acquired by Peacocks in 2002. Sold in January 2012 to Sun European Partners. |
Hugo Boss |
|
1924
|
Public limited company |
|
Men's and ladies' fashion |
Founded by Hugo Boss as a clothing manufacturer in Stuttgart. The first UK shop opened in 1996 after Moss Brothers purchased the franchise. In April 2011 Moss Brother sold the franchise and its shop back to Hugo Boss. |
Bottega Veneta |
|
1966
|
Kering |
1
|
Italian designer brand |
Italian designer brand that opened its first UK shop in Sloane Street, London in 2002. |
Boux Avenue |
|
2011
|
Theo Paphitis |
9
|
Lingerie retailer |
Founded by Theo Paphitis, the name is inspired by a French waitress who served Paphitis when holidaying with his family in France. The retailer opened its first shop in Spring 2011. |
Brandy Melville |
|
|
Private company |
2
|
American designer brand |
American designer brand worn by celebrities Miley Cyrus, Ashley Benson, Karlie Kloss, Taylor Swift, Vanessa Hudgens, and several famous YouTubers. |
Bravissimo |
|
1995
|
Private limited company |
21
|
Ladies' underwear |
Formed by Sarah Tremellen and Hannah Griffiths as a mail order business in 1995. In 1999 they opened their first shop in Ealing. |
Ellis Brigham |
|
c. 1930s
|
Private company |
34
|
Outdoor clothing and footwear |
Founded by Frederick Ellis Brigham started out by making walking boots and cycling shoes, opening his first shop in Harpurhey. The business continues to be owned by the Brigham family. |
Brooks Brothers |
|
1818
|
Retail brand alliance |
4
|
Menswear |
Founded as H. & D. H. Brooks & Co. in Manhattan, US, was rebranded Brooks Brothers after founder Henry's sons took charge of the business. From 1988 to 2001 the business was owned by Marks and Spencers. In 2006 the business opened its first UK shop in Old Broad Street, London. |
Browns of York |
|
|
Private company |
4
|
Department store |
Founded over 100 years ago, the Helmsley shop featured in ITV series Heartbeat. |
Burberry |
|
1856
|
Public company |
12
|
Men's, ladies' and children's clothing brand |
Luxury fashion brand started by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, Hampshire in 1856. The business opened its first London shop in 1891, and changed its name to Burberrys due to the colloquial use of the Burberrys of London name. The business stayed in family hands until Great Universal Shops bought the business in 1955. In 1998 the business changed its name back to Burberry, and in 2002 the business was floated on the London Stock market, with Great Universal Shops selling their final share in 2005. |
Burtons |
|
1904
|
Arcadia Group |
400
|
Men's clothing and footwear |
Founded by Montague Burton as The Cross-tailoring Company. Was once a member of FTSE 100, but now a brand name of the Arcadia Group. |
Cad and the Dandy |
|
2008
|
James Sleater, Ian Meiers |
2
|
Men's tailors |
Founded in 2008 as a tailoring brand, the business opened its first shop in 2009. |
Calzedonia |
|
|
The Calzedonia Group |
|
Lingerie retailer |
Italian lingerie retailer that opened its first UK shop in 2011. |
Camper |
|
1975
|
Private |
|
Spanish footwear manufacturer and retailer |
Founded by Lorenzo Fluxà Rosselló in Spain from a Spanish shoe manufacturer, opening its first shop in Barcelona in 1981. |
Vince Camuto |
|
|
Kurt Geiger |
1
|
American designer shoes |
Founded by the former Nine West designer, the sister brand of Kurt Gieger opened its first UK shop in 2013. |
Canali |
|
1934
|
Private company |
1
|
Men's clothing |
Founded as a men's clothing business in Italy by Giacomo Canali and Giovanni Canali. In 1996 Moss Brothers purchased the franchise rights for opening Canali shops in the UK, and opened its flagship shop on New Bond Street in 2000. In 2010 Moss Brothers relinquished the Canali franchise and re-branded the shops under other brands they operated. |
Carven |
|
1945
|
Private company |
1
|
French designer ladieswear |
Founded by Carven Mallet in Paris as a Haute Couture house. Opened its first UK shop, in a licence agreement with Club 21, in 2013. |
Chanel |
|
1909
|
Private |
|
French designer brand |
Founded by Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, also known as Coco. Opened boutiques during the 1980s. |
Cheap Monday |
|
2000
|
H & M |
1
|
Swedish jeans |
Started by Örjan Andersson and Adam Friberg as a secondhand jeans shop in Stockholm, before starting selling their own clothing in 2004. In 2008 H & M bought the parent company Fabric Scandinavien AB, and the first UK shop opened in Carnaby Street, London in 2012. |
Chester Barrie |
|
1935
|
Prominent Europe |
1
|
Men's tailors |
Founded in 1935 by Simon Ackerman. At one time owned by Austin Reed. |
Chittleborough & Morgan |
|
1981
|
|
1
|
Men's tailors |
Founded in 1981 as a bespoke tailor with no off the peg suits. |
Jimmy Choo |
|
1996
|
JAB Holding |
5
|
Designer ladies' footwear |
Founded by Jimmy Choo, a bespoke footwear designer in the East End of London along with Vogue accessories editor Tamara Mellon. Owned by JAB Holding since 2011. First shop opened in Motcomb Street in 1996. Also operate concessions within department stores. |
Church's |
|
1873
|
|
2
|
Footwear |
Founded by Thomas Church and his three sons. Owned by Prada in the late 1990s, the business was expanded internationally. Supplied shoes used during Pierce Bronsan's tenure as James Bond. |
Clarks |
|
1825
|
Private limited company |
|
Footwear |
Founded by Cyrus & James Clark in Street, Somerset. 84 percent of the business is still owned by the Clark family. It started retailing its own products in 1937 using initially the Peter Lord name. |
Cloggs.co.uk |
|
1979
|
JD Sports Fashion plc |
3
|
Footwear |
Founded in 1979 by Russell Thomas in Oasis Market, Birmingham. Went into administration in 2012 but was purchased by JD Sports Fashion plc in early 2013. |
Coach, Inc. |
|
1941
|
Public company |
5
|
Men's and women's fashionwear |
Founded as a leatherworking workshop on 34th Street, Manhattan, NY, US. The business opened its first UK shop in Sloane Square in the 1990s, as well as a shop in a shop inside Harrods. However this was not successful due to the weakness of the pound and the business pulled out of the UK. In 2010 Coach Inc signed a joint venture deal with Hackett to distribute their goods in UK, Spain, Portugal and Ireland as well as open standalone shops and concessions. In 2011 the first standalone shop was opened in New Bond Street, London. |
COS |
|
2007
|
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB |
14
|
Fashion brand |
Collection of Style was first shown at a Royal Academy catwalk show in 2007, with the first shop opening in Regent Street, London in March of the same year. The business is positioned upmarket of parent H & M |
Cotswold Outdoor |
|
1974
|
|
70
|
Outdoor clothing and footwear |
Founded in a garage next to the Cotswold Water Park selling basic camping equipment. Has operated as Cotswold Camping, Cotswold The Outdoor People and Cotswold Essential Outdoors |
Corneliani |
|
1958
|
Corneliani family |
1
|
Italian menswear manufacturer and retailer |
Founded as a coat manufacturer in Italy, the business opened its first UK shop on the site of Beale & Inman at 131–132 New Bond Street in 2008. |
Cotton Traders |
|
1987
|
Fran Cotton & Steve Smith |
125
|
Men's and women's clothing |
Founded by former England Rugby players Fran Cotton and Steve Smith as a mail order rugby shirt retailer based in Altrincham. In 1997 Next purchased 33 percent share of the business, but this was bought back by the founders in 2014. |
Craghoppers |
|
1965
|
Regatta |
4
|
British outdoor clothing manufacturer and supplier |
Founded in West Yorkshire, the business was purchased by the Regatta group in 1995. The business operates four outlet shops. |
Crockett & Jones |
|
1879
|
Private company |
7
|
British luxury shoes |
Founded by Charles Jones and Sir James Crockett in Northampton, England. Daniel Craig's James Bond in Skyfall wore a pair of Crockett & Jones shoes. |
Crombie |
|
1805
|
Private company |
3
|
Men's and women's fashion brand |
Founded as J&J Crombie Ltd by John Crombie and his son James in Aberdeen, Scotland as a manufacturer. The business started making coats under their own label, and eventually retailing at three UK locations and 40+ stockists worldwide. |
DAKS |
|
1894
|
Sankyo Seiko Co. Limited |
2
|
Men's and ladies' fashion brand |
Founded as S. Simpson by Simeon Simpson was a manufacturer of bespoke tailoring based in London. In 1935 Simeon's son Alexander invented the first supporting trouser, and branded it DAKS. In 1936 Alexander opened the first Simpsons shop—Simpsons of Piccadilly—to sell the company's clothing. In 1991 the business was sold to Sankyo Seiko Co. Limited, who at the turn of the century moved the shop from Piccadilly to Old Bond Street and renamed the business DAKS. |
W. J. Daniel & Co. |
|
1901
|
Private company |
3
|
Department store |
Founded by Walter James Daniel in Oxford and is a royal warrant holder. |
Davies and Son |
|
1803
|
Alan Bennett |
1
|
Men's tailoring |
Founded in Hanover Street in 1803, it moved to its current location in Savile Row in 1986. Owns several other tailoring companies—Bostridge and Curties and Watson, Fargerstrom and Hughes, Johns and Pegg, James and James, Wells of Mayfair and Fallan & Harvey. |
Debenhams |
|
1778
|
Public limited company |
178
|
Department store |
Founded by William Clark in 1778 at Wigmore Street, London. Since 1993 the business has the 'Designers at Debenhams' brand, which sees designer clothing at High Street prices, with designers including Jasper Conran, John Rocha, Betty Jackson Black, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson, H! by Henry Holland, Star by Julien Macdonald, Frost French, Erickson Beamon, Eric Van Peterson, Janet Reger, Pip Hackett, Melissa Odabash, Ted Baker, St George by Duffer, Jeff Banks, and Ben de Lisi. |
Decathlon |
|
1976
|
|
17
|
Sports clothing and footwear |
Founded in Lille, France. Came to the UK in 1999. |
Dege & Skinner |
|
1865
|
Skinner family |
1
|
Men's tailors |
Founded as J. Dege & Sons, William Skinner Jnr. joined the firm in 1916. Name changed to Dege & Skinner after the Skinner family took control. |
Desigual |
|
1984
|
Private company |
2
|
Spanish fashion brand |
Founded by Swiss Thomas Meyer in Ibiza, Spain as a fashion brand, the first shop opened in Spain in 1986. The business opened its first UK shop in 2010. |
Diesel |
|
1978
|
OTB Group |
17
|
Italian designer brand |
Italian designer brand that opened its first UK retail shop in 1996. |
Diesel Black Gold |
|
2008
|
OTB Group |
1
|
Italian designer brand |
Designer brand launched in 2008 by Diesel, with its first shop opening in Conduit Street, London in 2014. |
Dior |
|
1946
|
Groupe Arnault SAS |
5
|
French designer brand |
Founded as a fashion house in Paris, the business has five standalone shops and several concessions spread across London. |
Dolce & Gabbana |
|
1985
|
Private company |
5
|
Italian designer brand |
Italian designer brand that operates five shops and a concession in London. |
Dorothy Perkins |
|
1909
|
Arcadia Group |
600
|
Ladies' clothing and footwear |
Founded in 1909 as H. P. Newman, the shop changed its name to Dorothy Perkins in 1919. Purchased from the Farmer family in 1979 by Burtons. |
Dr. Martens |
|
1947
|
Permira |
23
|
Footwear brand |
Founded as a shoe design by Dr. Karl Märtens in Munich, the design was licensed to British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd who anglicised the name, changed the heel and added trademark yellow stitching. In 1994 the business opened its first shop in Covent Garden. In 2013 the business was purchased by Permira. |
Drake's |
|
1977
|
Michael Hill & Mark Cho |
2
|
Men's shirt and tie manufacturer |
Founded by Michael Drake as a scarf manufacturer. They went on to make ties, pocket squares and shirts. They opened their flagship shop in Clifford Street in 2011. |
DSquared2 |
|
1994
|
Private company |
1
|
Designer brand |
Founded by Dean and Dan Caten with funding from employers Diesel. The UK shop opened in March 2015. |
Duchamp |
|
1989
|
Private company |
2
|
Men's clothing |
Founded by Mitchell Jacobs in Suffolk as a cufflink brand. Opened first boutique in Notting Hill, London in 1998. In 2006 Mitchell Jacobs sold the business. |
Ducker & Son |
|
1898
|
Private limited company |
1
|
Footwear |
Founded by Edward Ducker in Oxford, where they are still based. Appeared in the film Atonement and has many well-known customers. |
Dunnes Stores |
|
1944
|
Dunne family |
19
|
Men's, ladies' and children's clothing and footwear |
Founded by Ben Dunne in Cork, Ireland as a drapery. Became a full line department store opening its first UK store in the 1970s. |
DW Sports Fitness |
|
2009
|
Whelan family |
60
|
Sports clothing |
Founded by Dave Whelan in March 2009 after purchasing 50 JJB Sports Fitness clubs and their attached sports shop. |
Defunct clothing shops in UK |
Image |
Established in UK |
Rebranded or closed |
Notes |
Abbotts Phitt-Easy Ltd |
|
|
1937
|
Chain of shoe shops based mainly in London. In 1937 the business was purchased by K Shoes, who completed a deal with Clarks and split the shops between them, with Clarks keeping eight. Clarks were not allowed to operate them under the Abbotts name, so chose the name Peter Lord. K Shoes operated the remaining shops under their own name. |
Adams Childrenswear |
|
1933
|
2010
|
Founded by Amy Adams in Birmingham in 1933. Bought By Foster Brother Clothing Co in 1973. Fosters was purchased by Sears plc in 1983. In 1999 Sears was purchased by Sir Philip Green, and the Adams business was sold to a management buyout. The business went first into administration in 2006, being bought out by John Shannon. In 2008 Adams went into administration again and was brought out again by John Shannon. In 2009 the Adams business was sold to the investment group Habib Alvi. In 2010 the business went into administration for the third time and closed. |
Addley Bourne |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing warehouse of the 19th century, originally based in Piccadilly but then later 174 Sloane Square, London. |
Claude Alexander |
|
|
|
Men's multiple tailor chain based in Scotland with 44 shops, who were bought by United Drapery Shops in 1951. Became part of UDS Tailoring group, along with John Collier and Alexandre Tailors. |
Alexandre Tailors |
|
1906
|
|
Founded as a manufacturer in 1906 by Samuel Henry Lyons in Templar Lane, Leeds. In 1954 Alexandre was purchased from the family by UDS, with Lyon brothers Bernard and Jack taking on senior management roles at UDS before running the business. Alexandre became part of the UDS Tailoring group along with John Collier and Claude Alexander. |
W. A. Allery |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Soho Street, London. |
Allsports |
|
|
2005
|
Chain of sports clothing shops started by David Hughes, which went into administration in 2005 with 267 shops – at the time the fourth largest sports chain. JD Sports purchased the business from the administrator, including the remaining open 177 shops, which they aimed to run as a separate business. However shops were either closed or eventually re-branded to JD Sports. |
Alpine Sports |
|
c.1980s
|
|
Founded during the 1980s by JJB to concentrate on items for the climbing, hiking, and ski markets. Business was transferred to Blacks Leisure as part of the deal that saw Howard Sports join JJB. Eventually became part of First Sport chain. |
Amber Ladieswear |
|
|
|
Former ladieswear shop located in Briggate, Leeds. |
Hardy Amies |
|
1946
|
2008
|
Hardy Amies founded his fashion couture business in January 1946 in Savile Row. The business expanded into retail tailoring by selling its own branded goods. In 1973 the business was purchased by Debenhams, however Amies purchased the business back in 1981. In 2001 Luxury Brands Group purchased the business from Amies however by November 2008 it had gone into bankruptcy. The brand name was purchased by Fung Capital, but its 6 retail shops closed as they were not part of the purchase. |
Apple Tailoring |
|
1966
|
1968
|
Dandie Fashions opened its shop at 161 King's Road, Chelsea in October 1966. In 1968 The Beatles invested in Dandie renaming it Apple Tailoring, but it closed several months later after not making a profit |
John Archbold |
|
|
|
Footwear shop based in Boar Lane, Leeds during the 19th century. |
Arnold & Cordwell |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors and outfitters based in North End, Croydon. |
Mike Ashley Sports |
|
1982
|
1984
|
Founded by Mike Ashley in Maidenhead. In 1984 they changed the trading name to Preston Sports. |
Astral Sport & Leisure |
|
1955
|
c.1980s
|
Founded in 1955, the sports retailer operated concessions within department stores. The business was purchased by House of Fraser in 1978 after getting into financial difficulty and expanded it to include stand alone branches. The business was purchased by Sears during the 1980s and incorporated into their Olympus chain. |
Harry Attwood |
|
|
|
Clothing retailer owned by Great Universal Stores. |
Ethel Austin |
|
1934
|
2013
|
Started in Liverpool by Ethel Austin from her front room. The business stayed in the family until 2002, when it was purchased by a management buyout. In 2004, the business was bought by ABN-AMRO Capital, however the business entered administration for the first time in 2008. It was purchased by former MK One boss Elaine McPherson in May 2008, but went again into administration in 2010. It was saved again by Ashloch Ltd in 2011, but they went into administration in 2012. The company was liquidated in January 2013. |
Austin the Tailor |
|
|
|
National chain of men's tailors with shops from Dundee, Scotland to Basildon, England. |
Bacon Shoes |
|
|
2009
|
Bacon Shoes was a subsidiary of Stylo plc and was dissolved in September 2009 after the collapse of its parent company. |
Baileys Menswear |
|
|
|
Menswear shop based in Briggate, Leeds during the 1970s. |
James Baker |
|
|
|
Small chain of shoe shops purchased by Clarks in 1977. |
Bambers |
|
|
|
Ladies' fashion shop that expanded in the 1960s. |
Bank Shops |
|
1994
|
2015
|
Founded by former Macclesfied footballer Andy Scott, the business was bought by JD Sports in 2007. In November 2014 the struggling business was sold to Hilco Capital, however in January 2015 the business was put into administration. |
Kate Barnes |
|
|
|
Retailer of ladies' fashions based in Manchester Road, Burnley. |
Barnett-Hutton |
|
|
|
Chain of ladieswear shops owned by department store chain Hide & Co. Was merged with Tootals shops to create the Van Allen chain. |
Baron of Piccadilly |
|
1838
|
c.2010
|
Men's tailors based on Jermyn Street, London which closed due to the Eagle Place redevelopment by the Crown Estate. The business had been owned by Welsh firm Morris Cowan, owned by the father of actor Sacha Baron Cohen. |
Barrance & Ford |
|
1881
|
1975
|
Ladies' tailors opened by Charles Barrance & Robert White Ford in Hastings. A further shop was added in Kings Road, Brighton in 1891. The Hastings shop became part of Plummer Roddis in the 1920s, while the Brighton shop continued until the 1970s. |
Barratts Shoes |
|
1903
|
2013
|
Founded in Northampton, the business had grown to 150 branches by 1939. The business was purchased by Stylo in 1964, who rebranded their shops under the Barratts name. During the 1990s they merged with rival Priceless shoes, however in 2009 Stylo went into administration. 220 Barratts and Priceless shops were closed, with the remaining 160 shops and 165 concessions being bought by Barratts Priceless Ltd. This however went ino administration in 2011, with Barretts Trading, another Michael Ziff vehicle purchasing 89 of Priceless and Barratts shops. This however went into administration in 2013, with 14 shops being sold to Pavers Shoes and the brand and website being sold to footwear entrepreneur Harvey Jacobsen. The Barratts name continues to operate online only. |
James Barrington |
|
|
|
National fur chain shop. |
Barringtons |
|
|
|
National men's tailor chain |
Bata Shoes |
|
|
c.1980s
|
Founded in 1894 in Zlín, Moravia, by Tomáš Baťa, Bata opened a factory at East Tilbury in Essex with an attached workers town in 1932. Bata opened shops across the UK but grew largely after the Second World War when "British Bata" was born. Bata started closing their UK retail operations in the 1980s. |
Bay Trading Company |
|
c.1990s
|
2009
|
Originally a privately owned company, the business was purchased by Alexon Group in 1999. The business was put into administration in 2009, with a small number of shops and name being purchased by the Rinku Group. These subsequently closed. |
Bayne & Duckett |
|
|
|
Small chain of shoe shops operating in Scotland purchased by Clarks and incorporated under the Clarks name. |
Bazaar |
|
1955
|
1969
|
Opened by Mary Quant, Plunket Greene and Archie McNair in Kings Road, London. Closed 1969 |
Beale & Inman |
|
1828
|
2007
|
London High End Tailors based at 131–132 New Bond Street, which was purchased by Cecil Gee during the 1970s. In 1988 it became part of Moss Brothers Group, after the merge of Cecil Gee and Moss Brothers. The business closed in 2007, with the shop being filled by Italian fashion house Corneliani. |
John T. Beer |
|
|
|
Men's tailors located at the junction of Boar Lane with Briggate in Leeds during the 19th Century. Building was demolished in 1867. |
Benefit Shoes |
|
|
|
Shoe retailer owned by the British Shoe Corporation. |
Bensonshoe |
|
1917
|
1996
|
Founded in 1917, the business was acquired by the Smith family in 1980. The business purchased rival brand Tylers in 1986, before rebranding to Discount Shoe Zone in 1996. |
Berkertex |
|
1936
|
1992
|
Founded by Leslie Berker as a clothing manufacturer, the business opened its first retail outlet within the Spooners department store in Plymouth. At one time they had over 2000 retail outlets. The business went into administration in 1992 before the manufacturing business was purchased by Bairds. |
Best Jeanswear |
|
1990
|
1998
|
Founded in 1985 as Just Jeans, after 1990 the name was changed to Best Jeanswear. The Republic brand was launched in 1998. |
Bewise |
|
|
2006
|
Discount homeware and clothing retailer. Went into administration 2006. Some shops were purchased by new chain Shop Twenty One. |
Biba |
|
1964
|
1980
|
Biba started as a mail order business before opening their first shop in Kensington, London. The business opened further shops before creating Big Biba inside the former Derry & Toms department store in 1974. To help fund the business shares were sold to Dorothy Perkins, whose parent British Land saw the business worth less than the property. In 1975 the shop was closed, and the trademark sold off and used by a new business based in Mayfair from 1978 to 1980. Now owned by House of Fraser as one of their in house designer brands. |
The Big Label |
|
2009
|
|
Formerly QS Discount, owned by QS Shops. Owned five shops in Blackburn, Sale, Atherton, Warrington and Chorley. |
Bissington |
|
19th century
|
1935
|
Hatter and hosier that was based in Briggate, Leeds. |
William Blackburn & Co |
|
1867
|
c.1960s
|
Founded in Leeds as a men's clothing manufacturer, they share the honour with Hepworths of being the first to open retail outlets to market its products. The business expanded to 30 shops and closed in the early 1960s. |
Blades |
|
1962
|
|
Blades was a London fashion boutique established in 1962 by Rupert Lycett Green.Blades moved to Burlington Gardens in 1967, where the shop windows looked down on Savile Row itself.[1] The premises are now occupied by the tailors Ede & Ravenscroft. |
Blazer |
|
|
2000
|
Menswear shop created by Shophouse plc, which was purchased by Moss Brothers in 1996. The chain was merged into its newly formed brand Code, in 2000, however by 2002 the Code brand had failed and Blazer returned as a clothing only brand within the Moss Brothers and Cecil Gee shops. |
J. E. Bloom & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century boys' outfitter based in High Holborn, London. |
A. Booth and Sons |
|
|
|
Men's tailors that operated at 143 Briggate, Leeds. |
Boxfresh |
|
1989
|
|
Boxfresh is a clothing label which opened its own boutique in Covent Garden in 1992. Still operating as a clothing label but no longer as a retailer. |
W.Bradley |
|
|
|
Furriers who were based in Dale Street, Manchester. |
Bradleys of Chester |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters originally based in Chester |
Brantano |
|
1953
|
2017
|
Founded in Belgium as a manufacturer of ladies' shoes, the UK business opened in 1998 after the purchase of the British Shoe Corporation's 47 Shoe City shops. Closed in 2017 after owners Alteri put the business into administration for the second time. |
Bricks Manshop |
|
|
|
Chain of menswear shops that was taken on by sons Brian and Alex Brick, who rebranded the business as Suits You and sold their retail business SRG in 2005 for £30m. The business was purchased by Egyptian group Arafa Holdings in 2008. However the 66 shop business entered administration in October 2010, 12 of the shops were purchased by the former owners and re-opened as Suit Direct. |
British Home Stores |
|
1928
|
2016
|
Founded in 1928 by American Entrepreneurs in Brixton to take on Woolworths. Business went public in 1933, and became part of Shophouse plc in 1986 after merging with Habitat and Mothercare. Went private again in 2000 after purchase by Sir Philip Green, who transferred the business to his Arcadia Group. Sold in 2015 to Retail Acquisitions for a nominal £1, the business entered administration in 2016 before closing. |
Albert Brooks |
|
|
1891
|
19th-century milliner and fancy draper based in London at Westminster Bridge that was declared bankrupt in 1891. |
Bus Stop |
|
1968
|
1979
|
Bus Stop was a young girls' fashion boutique fronted by designer Lee Bender. It was seen as a cheaper alternative to Biba and opened its first shop in Kensington, London. It had 11 stores in total across the UK including Newcaste-Upon-Tyne, Southampton, Bristol and Edinburgh. Citing bad weather leading to a decline in sales, it went into receivership in 1979. |
C&A |
|
1841
|
2001
|
Founded in Holland as a textile manufacturer, opening their first shop in Amsterdam in 1906. Opened first UK shop in 1922. Closed UK operations in 2001 due to competition. Still operate in mainland Europe and Latin America. |
Cable & Co |
|
|
|
Shoe retailer owned by the British Shoe Corporation. When Sears broke up the corporation during the 1990s, Cable was sold to the United States company Nine West. |
Calders Menswear |
|
Early 20th Century
|
2013
|
Menswear shop based in Cardiff. Owned by the father of Sacha Baron Cohen along with Barons of Piccadilly in London and Morris Cowan in Newport. The company went into liquidation in December 2013. |
Calverts of Runcorn |
|
|
|
Fashion & Haberdashery shop based in Runcorn. |
Camping and Caravanning Centre |
|
1969
|
2004
|
Founded as the Camping & Caravaning Centre in Sheffield, the business began renaming itself Go Outdoors from 2004. |
Capstick & Hamer |
|
|
|
Retailer and manufacturer of Furs based in North Parade, Bradford and Albert Road, Morecambe. |
Cargo Club |
|
c.1990s
|
|
A British version of Costco run by Nurdin & Peacock at 3 sites in Croydon, Birmingham and Bristol. The operation was closed due to lack of membership renewals and shops purchased by Sainsburys. |
Cash Clothing of Leicester |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters that expanded between the 1890s and the WW1. |
Champion Sports |
|
|
1993
|
Chain of Sports shops created by Burton Group. Purchased by Cobra Sports in 1993. |
Chanelle |
|
|
|
Chain of ladies' fashion shops owned by department store group J J Allen. |
M. Chapman |
|
|
|
19th-century merchant tailors based on the London Road, near the Elephant & Castle, London. |
Chas.Baker & Co |
|
1864
|
1939
|
Gentlemen's and boys' outfitters that opened in Seven Sisters in 1864 and expanded across London until the business collapsed in 1939 with the start of the war. |
Cheapjacks |
|
|
|
National clothing retailer owned by Peter Millett Group, which closed in the 1990s with the collapse of the parent company. |
The Chelsea Cobbler |
|
1967
|
|
Opened in Chelsea by Richard Smith, Amanda Wilkins and George Macfarlane. The business slowly expanded with shops opening in the West End and Harrods. In 1976 the business was bought by rival Rayne, who was purchased by Debenhams in 1978. The business was sold on by Burtons in 1987 before becoming part of US group Nine West in 1993. The Chelsea Cobbler brand was relaunched in 2009 by Dune, with three shops opening, however these have since closed or rebranded and the name is only a range sold by Dune. |
Chelsea Girl |
|
1965
|
1991
|
Founded by Bernard Lewis under the name Lewis Separates, the business changed name to Chelsea Girl in 1965. In 1988 it merged with its menswear operation Concept Man to form River Island, with all shops rebranded by 1991. |
Chilli Pepper |
|
|
2011
|
Teenage aimed fashion shop which went into administration in 2011. |
Ciro Citterio |
|
|
2005
|
Menswear chain that purchased rvials Horne Brothers, Oakland Menswear and Dunn & Co, that went into administration several times with the chain finally collapsing in May 2005. |
Clobber |
|
1964
|
|
Founded by Jeff Banks in Blackheath and showcased design by Ossie Clark and Mary Quant amongst others, the business expanded by opening concessions within Fenwicks Newcastle shop and supplying Bloomingdales in the United States. Jeff Banks sold the business in 1969 to start his own Fashion Label. |
Clysdale Rubber Company |
|
1870
|
1930
|
Founded as a retailer of raincoats, in 1930 William Greaves took over the business and turned it into a multi sports shop operating under the Greaves Sports name. |
Cobra Sports |
|
|
2000
|
Family owned chain that was purchased by JD Sports in 2000. |
Code |
|
2000
|
2002
|
Created by Moss Brothers to take on the menswear casual market. Code stood for "Casualwear, Office, Dressing up, and Essentials", The business took on shops from the Savoy Taylors Guild & Blazer brands, however it failed and was closed down in 2002. |
Coles |
|
1946
|
1993
|
Chain of menswear shops that was wound up in 1993. |
John Collier |
|
1958
|
1985
|
Created by United Drapery Shops in 1958 by renaming Fifty Shilling Tailors. Was purchased by Hanson as part of UDS in 1983. A short lived management buyout saw the name changed to plain Collier before being sold on to Burtons in 1985, with the brand being discontinued. |
Concept Man |
|
1982
|
1991
|
Concept Man was a menswear operation, the brother of Chelsea Girl and opened in 1982. The business was merged in 1988 to form River Island, with all shops re-branded by 1991. |
Contessa Lingerie |
|
|
2006
|
National lingerie change purchased by disgraced finacier Stephen Hinchliffe for his failed business Facia. After the collapse of Facia, Theo Paphitis bought the business in 1996. In 2006 he sold Contessa along with his other underwear firm La Senza UK to Lion Capital, who merged Contessa shops into La Senza. |
Courtesy Shoes |
|
1956
|
|
Courtesy Shoes started as a small trader on market stalls, before moving into shops. in the 1960s the business bought Lees of Leeds and Seftons, small footwear chains based in Yorkshire and changed the operating name to Medina Shoes. Courtesy Shoes continues to be the parent companies name and currently operates under the Wynsors World of Shoes name. |
Morris Cowan |
|
c.1950s
|
2012
|
Men's tailors based in Queen Street, Cardiff & Commercial Street, Newport. Business also owned the London establishment Barons of Piccadilly. |
R Crabb & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century merchant tailors and outfitters based in Westminster Bridge Road, London. |
Crazy Jeans |
|
c.1980s
|
|
Small jeans chain in Bristol and Bath that based its operation on London business Dickie Dirts. |
W. Creamer & Co |
|
|
|
Furrier that was based in Bold Street, Liverpool. |
Cresta Shops |
|
|
1979 |
Chain of ladieswear shops started by former Berkertex director Eric Crabtree. At one time it had 71 shops and was the largest high-class fashion chain in the world. Purchased by Debenhams, it was closed as a stand-alone business in 1979. |
Cripps, Sons & Co |
|
c.19th century
|
c.1970s
|
Ladies' dressmakers based in Bold Street, Liverpool. The building was commissioned by John Cripp in 1860. The business closed down during the early 1970s. |
Cromwells Madhouse / Madhouse |
|
1971
|
2012
|
Founded in 1971, the jeans retailer expanded by the millennium to 56 shops in the South East and the Midlands. In 2004 the business was bailed out by Sports Direct, who sold the business onto Melvyn Reiss and Stephen Mucklow. They put the business into administration in 2009, buying the business back in a pre-packed deal. The name was changed to just Madhouse, but it went into administration again in 2012. |
John Cruickshank & Co. |
|
|
|
19th-century outfitters based in Shaftesbury Avenue, London. |
Cult Clothing |
|
1985
|
2004
|
Founded by Ian Hibbs and Julian Dunkerton in Cheltenham, the business expanded during the 1990s in a number of UK university towns and cities. The business opened its first Superdry shop in Covent garden in 2004, and all Cult Clothing shops were renamed. |
Curtess Shoes |
|
|
1997
|
Founded by Harry Levison, the business was purchased by Freeman, Hardy Willis in 1954 Fortress was renamed to Curtess Shoes by Levison, who was given management of the British Shoe Corporation by Charles Clore. In 1996 Sears sold Curtess to entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
d2 Jeans |
|
|
2011
|
Men's and ladies' fashion shop started by Sir Tom Hunter. Went into administration twice, in 2009 and 2011. 20 shops were purchased in 2011 by Blue Inc. |
Damart |
|
1953
|
|
Founded in France as a manufacturer of thermal clothing, the UK retail operations have now closed with only online sales now available to UK customers. |
Dandie Fashions |
|
1966
|
1968
|
Dandie Fashions opened its shop at 161 King's Road, Chelsea in October 1966. In 1968 The Beatles invested in Dandie renaming it Apple Tailoring. |
Dapper Women |
|
|
2011
|
Designer boutique based in St Nicholas Street and Huntriss Row, Scarborough that closed in 2011. |
Dash |
|
1982
|
|
Fashion brand started in 1982, which at one time operated shops and concessions across the UK. |
Geoffrey Davis |
|
|
|
Small menswear shop in Golders Green, London which was owned by David Gold, of Carnaby Street Lord John fame. |
Dorothy Dearnaley |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing shop that was located on Newport Street, Bolton. |
Designer Rooms |
|
|
2010
|
Ladies' fashion brand with 10 shops put into liquidation in 2010. |
Dickie Dirts |
|
c.1970s
|
|
Founded in an old cinema in Fulham by Nigel Wright, the jeans retailer started the parallel importing business in the UK. The business expanded to have shops in Camberwell, Westbourne Grove, and Stratford. |
Discount Shoe Zone |
|
1917
|
2001
|
Founded as Bensonshoe in 1917, the business changed its name to Discount Shoe Zone in 1996. The business changed its name again in 2001 to Shoe Zone. |
Dixon Sports |
|
|
2002
|
North East Based sports retailer who went into liquidation in 2002, with 6 of the shop being purchased by Gilesports, including its shop in the Gateshead Metro Centre. |
George Doland |
|
|
|
Chain of tailor shops established in the South West of London, which grew into a National Chain. |
Dolcis Shoes |
|
1863
|
2008
|
The company began life on a street barrow in 1863 when John Upson started to sell his shoes on Woolwich Town Market, opening its first shop in Woolwich as the Great Boot Provider. Dolcis name appeared above the door during the 1920s. Owned by Sears since the 1950s, the business was sold off by them in 1998. Went into administration in 2008. |
Dormie |
|
|
|
Menswear retailer purchased by Moss Bros in 1992. |
Dunn & Co. |
|
1887
|
1996
|
Dunn & Co. was founded in 1887 by George Arthur Dunn, a Quaker, who started by selling hats on the streets of Birmingham. In 1991 the business was in trouble and sold to Hodges, but in 1994 a majority stake was sold to venture capitalists CinVen. This was short lived and in 1996 the business was purchased by Citto Citterio. |
Kenneth Durward |
|
|
|
Coat shop based in Conduit Street, London. Became part of the Aquascutum group. |
Easiephit |
|
|
|
Retail name of Greenlees & Sons, a shoe manufacturer based in Leicester. |
Peter Eastwood |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters based in 61 Vicar Lane, Leeds. |
J Edwards & Sons |
|
1830
|
2015
|
Footwear shop located in Deansgate, Manchester as well as Guildhall Street, Preston (previously R. Jamieson). Business closed suddenly in 2015 with no explanation. In its latter years it was associated with the firm Christmas & Clemence of Bolton and Southport |
Eisenegger |
|
|
2005
|
Discount men's fashion shop started c.1990s. Went into administration in 2005 and closed. |
Elangol |
|
|
|
Chain of 160 shops which has Eastex shops within them. |
Elisabeth of Colne |
|
|
|
Ladies' boutique based in Colne, Lancashire during the 1950s. |
Enoch Edge |
|
|
|
Shoe shop based in King Street, Lancaster during the 1950s, with the grand title of Shoe Fitters. |
Envy |
|
1960
|
2010
|
Founded in 1960, the menswear chain was purchased by John Kinnaird from Alexon Retail in February 2008, before he completed a pre-package deal with his new vehicle Envy Retail Ltd in Dec 2008. In 2010 John Kinnaird sold the business to a consortium of private equity investors including the boss of SKG Capital, Chris Althorp-Gormlay, however the business was put into administration a month later and all 18 shops were closed. |
Etam |
|
1916
|
2005
|
Founded by Max Lindemann in 1916, the UK and French Etams were separate companies until the French Etam Developpement purchased Etam UK from Stanley Lewis and his family for £97m in 1997. Purchased by Philip Green's Arcadia group, with shops converted to Arcadia brands or closed. Since 2011 the Etam brand has returned to the UK. |
Faith |
|
1964
|
2010
|
Started by Samuel Faith and his wife, the business grew to 72 stand alone shops and separate concessions in many of Britains department store chains. In 2004 the Faith family sold the business to Bridgepoint Capital, but entered administration in 2008 before being purchased by John Kinnaird. The business again entered administration in 2010, with all shops closing. Debenhams bought the Faith brand and all the 115 concessions within their shops. |
The Famous Brunswick Warehouse |
|
|
2003
|
Brand name of a chain of shoe warehouses operated by North Shoes. The business was purchased by Brown & Jackson, the owners of Poundstretcher in 1999, before all 27 shops becoming part of Brantano in 2003. |
Famous Army Stores |
|
1981
|
2002
|
Outdoor clothing and camping equipment shops based in Garston, Liverpool, UK. After a management buyout in 1996, rapidly grew from 100 to 200 shops before going into administration in 2002. 47 shops were purchased by Blacks Leisure but the name was discontinued. |
John Farmer |
|
|
c.1980s
|
Family owned footwear multiple which was bought by UDS in 1982. Hanson sold the near 100 strong chain to Clarks during the breakup of UDS. In the late 1980s the brand was incorporated into Clarks and shops were re-branded or closed. |
Fenchurch |
|
2000
|
2011
|
Started as a clothing brand. In 2005 the brand opened its first shop in Covent Garden, London. In 2011 the business went into administration, and the business was purchased by JD Sports. |
Harry Fenton |
|
|
1984
|
Men's tailors chain, loved by the mods in the 1960s. In 1980 footballer Kevin Keegan fronted the advertising campaign for the chain. The business was sold by its owner, Combined English Shops in 1984 to the Burton Group who converted or closed shops. |
Fifty Shilling Tailors |
|
1905
|
|
Founded in Leeds by Henry Price of Price Tailors Ltd. Business had over 399 shop in the UK. Was purchased by United Drapery Shops in 1954 and the shop was rebranded John Collier. |
First Sport |
|
1988
|
2002
|
Chain of 187 sports shops created by Blacks Leisure by merging its purchased sports shops. It was purchased by JD Sports in 2002. |
E Fletcher of Rochdale |
|
|
|
Ladies' outfitters based in Rochdale during the 1950s. |
Flip |
|
c.1970s
|
1985
|
Importer of American vintage clothing that operated three shops in London – Convent Garden, Kings Road and Shoeditch. Closed in 1985. |
Martin Ford |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing retailer that operated during 60s and 70s |
Fortress Shoe Company |
|
|
|
Founded by Harry Levison, the business was purchased by Freeman, Hardy Willis in 1954 Fortress was renamed to Curtess Shoes by Levison, who was given management of the British Shoe Corporation by Charles Clore. In 1996 Sears sold Curtess Shoes to entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
Foster Brothers |
|
1876
|
1998
|
Founded in Birmingham in 1876 as Foster Brothers Clothing company. Purchased Adams Childrenswear in 1973. Firm sold to Sears plc in 1983. Name changed to Fosters Trading Company. Sold by Sears to d2 Jeans in 1998. |
Freeman, Hardy and Willis |
|
1875
|
1997
|
The shoe retailer was established in 1875 and was named after three employees of the company. In 1929 it was purchased by Sears and became part of its subsidiary the British Shoe Corporation. In 1996 the British Shoe Corporation converted half of the 540 FHM branches into Hush Puppies, selling the remaining off to an entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
Herbie Frogg |
|
1969
|
|
Men's Tailors opened in 1969 and were based in Jermyn Street, London. |
Frontier Shoes |
|
2003
|
|
Founded by former Famous Brunswick and Cobra Sports boss Mark Blackburn in 2003, the shoe shop chain had at its height five shops. In 2007 Mark Blackburn sold the business to Mark Turner, however the shops have since closed. |
Furmans Shoes |
|
|
|
Northern based chain of shoe shops. |
Gamlen Brothers |
|
|
|
19th-century outfitters based in Devonport, Devon. |
Gardiner & Co. |
|
|
|
19th-century men's outfitters based in Commercial Road and Whitechapel, London. |
Cecil Gee |
|
1929
|
2012
|
Founded in 1929 by Cecil Gee as a menswear retailer, the business merged with Moss Brothers in 1988. In 2012 Moss Brothers sold the remaining eight shops to JD Sports for £1.7 million. JD Sports renamed the shops under the Tessuti brand later in 2012. |
Gelert |
|
1970
|
2013
|
Founded in Bryncir in Gwynedd, the outdoor clothing and camping business was named the dog Gelert of Prince Llywelyn the Great, who was Prince of Gwynedd. The business went into administration in 2013 and was purchased by Sports Direct. It now operates as a brand only within the Sports Direct empire. |
General Clothing Shops |
|
|
2001
|
Cornish clothing shop originally based in Penzance and purchased by the Chadwick family during the 1970s.The Chadwick family changed the business name to Seasalt in 2001. |
Genesis |
|
1990
|
1992
|
Ladies' casual wear chain started by Berkertex, which was incorporated into Windsmoor by Bairds after they purchased the brand out of administration in 1992. |
Ghinns Ltd |
|
1889
|
|
Founded in 1889 as a drapery shop in Peckham Rye. Became incorporated in 1933. Operated as Ghinns Wools – a wool and ladieswear shop. Purchased by McGeochs in 1970. |
Gilesports |
|
1925
|
2006
|
Founded by Henry C Giles in 1925, and expanded to cover shops across Wales, the South West and the Midlands. In 2002 Gilesport bought 6 shops of Dixon Sports based in the North East. In 2006 the 80 shop chain was purchased by Sports World International for a deal worth £10m. |
Gio-Goi |
|
2005
|
2013
|
Founded as a fashion brand in 1988, the business closed due to a legal challenge by Giorgio Armani over the name. The name was relaunced in 2005, with Pentland group buying 20 percent in 2008. The first retail shop was opened in Union Square, Aberdeen in 2010. The business went into administration in 2013 and was purchased by JD Sports, where it became a brand only. |
Glass and Black |
|
c.1960s
|
c.1960s
|
Founded by fashion designer Kiki Byrne, initially in Sloane Square, London before moving to Kings Road. During the mid-1960s the business shut after its purchase by Jaegar. |
Goldrange |
|
1970s
|
|
Factory outlet shop in Petticoat Lane founded by Warren & David Gold of Lord John (Carnaby Street) fame. Replaced by The Big Red Building. |
Granditer Menswear |
|
1910
|
1992
|
Founded by Morris Granditer as a small tailoring shop in Canning Town, London. By the 1970s the menswear name had been dropped and shops selling men's fashion had opened up across London. In 1992 the name was changed to Base. |
Granny Takes a Trip |
|
1966
|
1979
|
Granny Takes a Trip was a boutique opened in February 1966 at 488 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, by Nigel Waymouth, his girlfriend Sheila Cohen and John Pearse.In late 1969, Cohen and Waymouth sold the business to London fashion entrepreneur Freddie Hornik, who had previously worked at Chelsea's Dandie Fashions. Shops were open in New York & Los Angeles. The London shop closed in 1979. |
Great Eastern Clothing Depot |
|
|
|
19th-century outfitters and tailors run by James Peters from Shoreditch, London. |
Griffith Brothers |
|
c.1890s
|
c.1930s
|
Menswear outfitters started in the 19th century in Brentford, and had 22 branches by 1928. |
J. H. Grimwade & Sons |
|
|
|
Ipswich Tailors located on The Cornhills and was an agent for Jaegar. |
Edward Grove |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London. |
Hammells |
|
|
|
Ladies' retailer of the 1970s and 80s that specialised in larger sizes |
Hanan-Gingell Shoe Company |
|
1888
|
|
The retail arm of the Hanan Shoe Company, which opened in 1888 and was based at 328–332 Oxford Street, London. |
C.J. Hardy and Co |
|
|
|
Outfitters based in Boar Lane, Leeds during the 1930s. |
Hargreaves Sports |
|
|
|
Sports shop group based in South East that was purchased by Sports Direct. |
Hartley |
|
|
|
Retail chain based in north of England purchased by Parkash Singh Chima along with Wiltex to form Bonmarché. |
Ann Harvey |
|
|
2011
|
Chain of shops and concessions selling plus sized ladies' clothing. In 2011 owner Jacques Vert closed the retail business and concentrated on concessions, before closing the business completely in 2013. The name was revived by Bonmarche as a range within their shops in 2014 |
Hawes & Sons |
|
|
|
Ipswich clothing shop based in Tacket Street prior to the widening of the road. |
C. Hayman |
|
c.1852
|
|
Ladies' and girls' 19th-century dressmakers based in Newington Causeway, London. |
Alan Hayton Boy's Shop |
|
|
|
Boys' outfitters based at 115 Deansgate, Bolton. The business was struck of the companies register in 1975. |
Elizabeth Hebden |
|
|
|
Ladieswear shop which was based in Manchester Road, Nelson. |
Henderson Sports |
|
|
|
Chain of sport shops purchased by J M Millets during the 1970s. |
Henri Gowns |
|
|
1975
|
Gown manufacturer that retailed their wares from a showroomm at 39/42 New Bond Street, London and was wound up in 1975. |
Joseph Hepworth & Son |
|
1864
|
1984
|
Founded in Leeds by Joseph Hepworth & James Rhodes and became Britain's largest clothing manufacturer. Started selling from retail shops in the 1880s. Purchased Kendall & Sons in 1982, and in 1983 relaunched Kendalls under the Next brand. In 1984 all Hepworth shops were rebranded Next. |
Higgs Leather |
|
1934
|
2017
|
Founded by James William Higgs in London, the business was moved to Westcliff on Sea before opening in Southend on Sea in 1969. Announced that the shop would close in 2017, however they would continue to operate online. |
Hilton Shoes |
|
|
|
Founded by Stephen Hilton as a manufacturer and retailer in Leicester, by 1892 he had 40 shops. The business was purchased by Olivers and incorporated into the Oliver group. |
T. Hinde & Son |
|
|
|
Ladies' show shop based in Manchester and Liverpool |
Hipps |
|
c.1900
|
c.1970s
|
Founded in Leeds in the early 1900s, by 1914 it had 70 shops nationwide selling menswear. By 1932 it had 100 shops and was the fourth largest of the multiple tailors. In 1960 was purchased by Headrow Clothes, a rival manufacturer, who in turn was purchased by Great Universal S in 1962. Hipps was run as an independent group within Great Universal until its closure during the early 1970s. |
Hodges & Sons |
|
c.19th century
|
1994
|
Founded in South Wales as a tailors. In 1991 purchased national chain Dunn & Co however this was short lived and in 1994 the business was sold to venture capitalists CinVen,
Published 1996-12-20; Retrieved 2011-11-18</ref> with Hodges shops being rebranded under the Dunn name.
|
Holbourne (Fashions) Ltd |
|
|
1940
|
Ladies' outfitters based in Old Bond Street & High Holborn, London, as well as shops in Plymouth and Portsmouth. The business was wound up in 1940. |
Hope Brothers |
|
|
c.1970s
|
Founded by Thomas Peacock as a shirt manufacturer in Littleport. The business expanded becoming a multiple tailor, purchasing high end London chain Howard Powe in 1954. The business was purchased by Great Universal Stores during the 1950s and was converted into the Just Pants Plus business during the 1970s. |
Horne Brothers |
|
1886
|
2011
|
Founded in London as a tailors, it had by 1938 15 branches and a factory at 45–65 King Edward Road in Cambridge Heath, London. In 1987 the business was purchased by Sears. However, in the 1990s it was sold to Ciro Citterio, whom went into administration in the early 2000s. The business was purchased by several owners, however finally closed with 37 branches in 2011. |
House |
|
|
|
Brand created by Cromwells Madhouse to sell more upmarket clothing. |
House of Holland |
|
|
c.1980s
|
South of England-based discount department store went into administration late 80s. |
Howard Sports |
|
|
|
Chain of 11 north west based sport shops purchased by JJB from Blacks Leisure in 1988. Part of the deal saw Alpine Sports go to Blacks. |
Thomas Howell |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' outfitters based in Kennington Cross, London |
Howies |
|
1995
|
2011
|
Founded in Wales as a manufacturer of eco-friendly clothing, the business operated a shop in Carnaby Street until December 2011. Continues to operate as a manufacturer. |
Hung on You |
|
c.1960s
|
1966
|
Hung on You was a London fashion boutique, run by the designer Michael Rainey, particularly known for flowery shirts and kipper ties in bold colours. Rainey's customers included the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, the Kinks and the actor Terence Stamp. The business closed in 1966 when the lease was sold. |
Hunt & Winterbotham |
|
|
|
Woollen clothing manufacturer that started in c.1800, and opened its own boutique in Old Bond Street, London. |
Benjamin Hyam & Co |
|
|
|
Clothing manufacturer and outfitter that was based in Oxford Street, London with branches in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leeds and Dewsbury. David Lewis, who started Lewis department store did his apprenticeship with Hyams. |
I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet |
|
1966
|
1977
|
Founded by Ian Fisk and John Paul at 293 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London. Among the shop's customers were Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix. Further shops opened in Carnaby Streer, Piccadilly and Kings Road during 1967. Partnership dissolved in summer 1967, and Portebello Road shop became Injun Dog head-shop. Last I Was Lord Kitchener's Valet shop closed in 1977. |
The International Fur Shop |
|
|
|
19th century furriers based at 163 & 198 Regents Street, London. |
Internacionale |
|
1980
|
2014
|
Founded as a retail business in 1980 by Ken Cairnduff, the business grew into the name Internacionale. Went into administration for a third time in 2014 and closed. The name was purchased by Edinburgh Woollen Mills. |
Ipswich Boot & Shoe Warehouse |
|
|
|
19th century retailer, with branches in Chelmsford and Halstead. |
Italian Suit Company |
|
|
2014
|
Formal menswear retail chain that went into liquidation in 2014. |
The Ivy Shop |
|
1965
|
1995
|
Founded in Richmond, London by John Simmons, the man who is widely recognised as coining the term Harrington for the Baracuta G9 jacket, The shop closed in January 1995 after being known as the home of Ivy League college boy look. |
Edmund Jackson |
|
|
|
Menswear retailer that was based in the Market buildings in Vicar Lane, Leeds. |
Jackson the Tailor |
|
1906
|
c.1970s
|
Founded in 1906 by M. Jackson in Newcastle as a manufacturer of menswear and branched out into retail. Merged with larger rival Burtons in 1954. At one time it had 550 shops across the UK. The shops were integrated into Burtons during the 1970s. |
Jonathan James |
|
1973
|
2012
|
Mansfield based shoe retailer that closed its branches in December 2012. |
R. Jamieson |
|
|
|
Footwear retailer based in Guildhall Street, Preston taken over by J. Edwards & Sons. |
Jaymax |
|
|
|
Northern clothing chain with nine shops founded by John Hargreaves, who later went on to create Matalan. |
Jays |
|
|
|
Clothing retailer owned by Great Universal Stores. |
Jean Jeanie |
|
|
|
Chain of 65 shops saved by Sir Philip Green in 1985 for £65,000. Six months later he sold the business to Lee Cooper for £3m. |
Jean Junction |
|
|
|
Founded in 1971 by Thomas Lonsdale on the corner of Kings Road and Chelsea Manor Street, London. Lonsdale bought jeans over from California, against the wishes of local wholesalers. The shop expanded into the UK's first chain of denimwear shops. |
JJB Sports |
|
c.1900
|
2009
|
The original JJB sports shop was established by John Jarvis Broughton in the early 1900s and later was purchased by John Joseph Bradburn. It was expanded and incorporated in 1971, when ex-footballer and supermarket chain operator Dave Whelan acquired a single sports shop in Wigan and immediately opened a second sports goods outlet in his Sutton, St Helens, supermarket. In 1994 the business was floated, and in 1998 it bought its rival Sports Division. By 2005 the business had 430 shops, and in 2007 Dave Whelan sold his last shares to Icelandic financial group Exista and Chris Ronnie. In 2009 the business was put into administration and closed. |
Johnsons |
|
|
|
Men's boutique based in Kensington and World's End. |
Johnsons the Modern Outfitter |
|
1978
|
2000
|
Boutique clothing shop founded by Lloyd Johnson. |
J Jones |
|
|
|
Costumier and furrier based that was based in Boar Lane, Leeds. |
Just Add Water |
|
|
|
Chain of ten outdoor clothing shops purchased by Blacks in 2003 |
Just Jeans |
|
1985
|
1998
|
Founded in 1985 as Just Jeans, after 1990 the name changed to Best Jeanswear. The Republic brand was launched in 1998. |
Just Pants Plus |
|
1970s
|
|
Chain created by Great Universal Stores by rebranding several of their traditional chains, including Hope Brothers. |
K Shoes |
|
1842
|
c.1990s
|
Founded by Robert Miller Somervell as a shoemaking accessories merchant and leather factory in Kendall, Cumbria, the business grew into a manufacturing company called Somervell Brothers in 1848. The K brand was created as uppers and soles were being put together at home by workers, who some had been subsidising materials. Because of this each sole was marked, but instead of S for sole, someone picked up the K stamp. During the 1930s the company took on several failing retail agents, but it was not until the purchase and splitting up of Abbotts in 1937, did the K Shoe Shop appear. By 1980 the business had 230 branches in the UK, and agreed to a merger with Clarks in 1981 to starve off a takeover from another company. During the 1990s the K Shoe Shop brand was closed down due to tightening financial worries. |
Karrimor |
|
1997
|
1999
|
Started as the retail arm of outdoor clothing firm Karrimor International. When Karrimor International was sold by its owners 21 Invest in 1999, the retail firm was retained and renamed Mountain Warehouse. |
Keevan |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters based in London, with the shop famously being in the background of the Kinks' "Come Dance with Me" video filmed at Hornsey Street, London in 1983. |
Kendall & Sons Ltd |
|
1870
|
1983
|
Started in 1870 as an umbrella manufacturer, before moving into rainwear and ladies' clothing ranges in the 20th century. Purchased by Combined English Shops in 1977, and sold to Joseph Hepworth & Son in 1982. Rebranded and relaunched as Next in 1983. |
King, Malcolm & Co |
|
|
|
Retailer and manufacturer of Waders and Waterproof coats in Victorian Britain, based in Leicester Square, London. |
Kookai |
|
1983
|
2013
|
Started as a fashion label in France. UK franchise (owned by Forminster) went into administration in 2006 with 25 shops and 30 concessions. Was bought by Kookai's parent company Groupe Vivarte. In 2013 the parent company decided to close its UK business. |
J. B. Ladbury |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' costumier based in Borough and Islington, London. |
Lady Jane |
|
1966
|
|
First ladies' fashion boutique opened in Carnaby Street. |
John Laing |
|
|
|
Menswear chain based in the north of England. |
John Laing & Co |
|
|
|
Dumfries and Carlisle-based chain of footwear shops. |
Lane & Robinson |
|
|
|
A shoe shop based in Whiteladies Road, Bristol which was purchased by Clarks in 1935. |
Lavand |
|
2008
|
|
Spanish clothing brand that opened its first UK shop in London in 2013. Business now operates online in the UK. |
George H. Lavey & Company |
|
1882
|
|
Men's tailors founded in 1882. Bought by A. C. Millett & Co (Millets) in 1964. |
LD Mountain Centre |
|
1966
|
|
Founded by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison as LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1972 they launched their own brand of clothing called Berghaus to sell in their shop. In 1993 Pentland Group purchased the business. |
Le Pop |
|
|
|
1980s ladies' retailer. |
Lee Brothers (Overwear) Ltd |
|
|
|
1950s ladies' outfitters based in Conduit Street, London. |
Lees of Leeds |
|
|
|
Small chain of footwear shops located in Leeds area, purchased by Courtesy Shoes in the 1960s and rebranded under the Medina Shoes brand. |
Lewis & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' costumiers based in Westminster Bridge Road, London and Croydon. |
Lewis Separates |
|
1947
|
1965
|
Founded by Bernard Lewis under the name Lewis Separates, the business changed name to Chelsea Girl in 1965. In 1988 it merged with its menswear operation Concept Man to form River Island, with all shops being re-branded by 1991. |
Lilley & Skinner |
|
1835
|
2008
|
Thomas Lilley opened his first shoe shop in Southwark, London in 1835. In 1881 William Banks Skinner joined the firm and the business name changed to Lilley & Skinner. In 1953 the business merged with rival the Saxone Shoe Company, however the business was purchased by Sears owned British Shoe Corporation in 1962. During the 1990s Sears broke up and sold off the shoe brands it owned, with Lilley & Skinner being purchased by Stead & Simpson. However Stead & Simpson went into administration in 2008 and was purchased by Shoe Zone which converted shops to their branding or closed them. |
Littlewoods |
|
1932
|
2005
|
Founded as a football pools company in 1923 by John Moores, the business expanded into mail order retailing in 1932. The first shop opened in 1937. By 1982 the business was the largest private company in Europe, and one time was the largest family owned firm in the UK. In 2002 the retail business was sold by the Moores family to David & Frederick Barclay for £750m. In 2005 the 119 shops were closed, with 40 sold to Primark owner ABF. |
Cyril Livingston |
|
|
|
Ladiewear retailer of the 1970s based in Briggate, Leeds. |
The London Corset Company |
|
|
|
19th and early 20th century corset maker based at 28 New Bond Street, London. |
Lord John |
|
1963
|
|
Founded in Carnarby Street by brothers, Warren, Harold and David Gold. The men's fashion boutique sold clothes that were designed for the "mods" of the era. The business went on to grow to 30 shops before being sold off. |
Peter Lord |
|
1937
|
c.1990s
|
Clarks renamed the Abbotts chain of shoe shops based in London, creating the name Peter Lord not to scare their agents. Name continued to be used until the 1990s. |
Lotus Shoes |
|
1903
|
|
Founded as shoe manufacturer by parent company Edwin Bostock & Co. Ltd., the business outgrew its parent, and with the merger of Edwin and Frederick Bostock's business' they used the Lotus Ltd name for the company. The retail side of the business started in 1926 with the purchase of 4 retail shops, which wee operated under its subsidiary Lotus and Delta Ltd. In the 1970s the Bostock family ended their affiliation with the company, with Debenhams purchasing the business in 1973. Debenhams' owners, the Burton group sold the business to the Fii group in 1986. The business now operates as a manufacturer and online retailer. |
Luget Brothers |
|
1814
|
2015
|
Founded by two Huguenot brothers in Exeter, the bespoke tailoring business finally closed its doors in 2015. |
Lumleys |
|
1900
|
c.1980s
|
Founded by boxing promoter Alan Lumley as a sports shop, it was purchased by the Greaves family in 1959. In the 1980s the name was changed to Greaves. |
M & J Sports and Leisure |
|
|
|
Small sports shop chain based in South Essex created by former Southend United player, Mike Beesley after buying out H. W. Stone. |
Mackays |
|
1834
|
2007
|
Founded by McGeoch family as pawnbrokers in Paisley, Renfrewshire. Converted to clothing in 1953. In 1973 adopted Mackays name. M&Co brand launched in 2003, with all shops being rebranded by 2007. |
Maison Jays |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' costumier and milliner based in Regent Street, London. |
Manfield Shoes |
|
1844
|
c.1997
|
Founded in Northampton as a manufacturer and retailer of footwear, the business was purchased by Sears in 1956, and at the time had over 200 shops. In 1996 it sold Manfield Shoes to entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
T.Manley |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Westminster Bridge Road, London. |
Marcus Shops Ltd |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters with 15 shops, purchased by J. M. Millets in 1973. |
Alfred Marsh |
|
|
1881
|
19th-century clothier and outfitter with shops in Market Street, Harwich & Key Street, Ipswich. Declared bankrupt in 1881. |
Masters |
|
|
|
Manufacturer and retailer of men's clothing, purchased by Great Universal Stores. |
Mates |
|
c.1960s
|
|
Founded by Irvine Sellar on Carnaby Street, as what he called the first unisex fashion boutique in Britain. The business expanded to have shops nationwide and had 24 shops by 1969. Irvine Sellars sold the business and went into property development, famously leading the company that developed the Shard. |
Maxwells |
|
|
|
Leeds based clothing shop that was located on Vicar Lane. |
Mayron |
|
|
|
Chain of ladies' fashion shops owned by department store group J J Allen. |
MC Sports |
|
|
|
Chain of sport shops purchased by Blacks, and became part of First Sport. |
McGeoch |
|
1834
|
1973
|
Founded by McGeoch family as pawnbrokers in Paisley, Renfrewshire. Converted to clothing in 1953. In 1973 adopted Mackays name. M&Co brand launched in 2003, with all shops being rebranded by 2007. |
McGurk Sports |
|
|
2013
|
North East based sports retailer voluntary wound up in 2013. |
Meakers |
|
|
|
Chain of men's tailors founded by Benjamin Meaker and Edgar Jesse. |
Medina Shoes |
|
|
|
Brand created by Courtesy Shoes to operate their Courtesy Shoes, Skelton and Lees of Leeds shops. The brand name was eventually replaced by Wynsors World of Shoes, also operated by Courtesy Shoes. |
Merc Clothing |
|
1967
|
|
Founded by Javid Alavi in London in 1967. The business had a shop at 10 Carnaby Street, but now is an online retailer and manufacturer. |
J.M Millet |
|
1893
|
1986
|
Founded by J. M. Millet as a drapers and outfitters business in Southampton and Bristol. The business had 5 shops by 1939, and by 1961 had grown to 11. In the 1970s business Henderson Sports and Marcus Shops Limited were purchased before the business itself was purchased by Foster Brothers in 1979. In 1986 it was merged with A. C. Millett to form Millets Leisure Ltd. |
A.C. Millett & Co |
|
1948
|
1986
|
Morris Millett opened a haberdashery shop in Croydon in 1920. By 1948 the business was trading from 8 shops and A. C. Millett joined his father's business after the leaving the army. By 1962 that business had grown to 35 shops, including 13 acquired in that year when ACM bought E. G. Millett & Co., a company owned by a distant cousin of A. C. Millett. In 1978 the business listed on the London Stock Market as Milletts Leisure plc, and in 1984 bought 50 shops from Wakefields (Midlands) Ltd. In 1986 Foster Brothers Clothing acquired Milletts Leisure plc joining Millets and Milletts together to create Millets Leisure Limited. |
E. G. Millett & Co |
|
|
|
A group of 13 men's outfitters purchased by A. G. Milletts in 1962. |
Milwards |
|
|
|
Reading based footwear group with 20 shops purchased by Clarks and incorporated into the Peter Lord chain. |
Miss Sixty |
|
1990
|
2008
|
Founded in Italy in 1990, the first shops opened in the UK in 1998 by its UK subsiary SixtyUK. The UK business went into administration in 2008. |
Mister Byrite |
|
|
2002
|
Founded as A. Levy & Sons in 1912. Traded under various names including Mr Byrite. Blue Inc name introduced in 2002. |
MK One |
|
c.1980s
|
2008
|
Founded in the 1980s by Mark Brafman, Les Lucy and Alan Simons as Mark One. In 1996 the business went into administration and was purchased by Philip Green, who in 2003 sold most of the business to Elaine McPherson, the managing director, and David Thompson, the finance director. In 2004 the business was sold to the Icelandic group, Baugur who sold a majority shareholding to Hilco in May 2008, before selling the business back to its founder Mark Brafman. However the business continued to struggle and in November 2008 80 of the shops were sold to Internacionale Retail with the remaining 45 being closed. |
Monument Sports |
|
1974
|
|
Founded in 1974 by Middlesbrough F.C. player Bill Gates. The 12 shop chain was purchased by Blacks in 1987 and became part of First Sport. |
Morgan |
|
|
2008
|
Morgan de Toi was the UK retail operations of Morgan SA, a French company originally set up to make lingerie in 1947. In 2008 the UK business was put into administration with the closure of its shops and concessions. |
Morrisons |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing chain purchased by Great Universal Stores in 1957. |
David Moseley & Sons |
|
|
1964
|
Rubber manufacturer that produced Raincoats and Waterproofs which were sold via their New Bond Street showroom. Was purchased by Avon Rubber Company in 1964. |
Mr Freedom |
|
1969
|
1972
|
Founded by Tommy Roberts after purchasing the lease of the boutique Hung on You. The shop moved to Kensington Church Street in 1970 but closed in 1972. |
Naf Naf |
|
1973
|
c.1990s
|
Founded as Influence in Paris by Gérard Pariente in 1973, NafNaf (woof woof in French) was launched as a designer brand in 1978. The brand expanded and shops in France opened during the 1980s. During the 1990s they entered the UK market as a distributor and retailer. However, in the late 1990s the retail business in the UK was making losses, so all shops were closed. |
Daniel Neal |
|
1837
|
1977
|
Founded as an adult shoe shop in the Edgware Road, London, the business grew into a department store for children's clothes, toys and equipment. In 1963 it was purchased by John Lewis and the business was merged into existing John Lewis shops, except for branches in Bournemouth & Cheltenham, which were closed in 1977. |
H. P. Newman |
|
1909
|
1919
|
Founded in 1909 as H. P. Newman, the shop changed its name to Dorothy Perkins in 1919. |
Nicholes Shirt House |
|
|
|
Shirt maker that was based at 62 Briggate, Leeds. |
D. Nicholson & Co |
|
|
|
Ladies' dressmakers based in St. Pauls Churchard, London. |
H. J. Nicholl & Co |
|
c.19th century
|
c.1962
|
Ready made clothing company that made its name during the 1840s and 1850s with manufacturing paletots, a gentleman's overcoat. The business first opened a shop on Regent Street, before opening branches in Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Paris. The business operated until the 1960s. |
Northern Outsize Menswear |
|
1956
|
c.1970s
|
Founded as Northern Outsize Menswear by Bernard Levy as a mail order firm. The business opened its first shop on Edgware Road, London in 1959. During the 1970s the business changed its name to High and Mighty. |
Norvic |
|
1846
|
1974
|
Founded by the merger of Howlett and White with the Mansfield Shoe Company. The business was a manufacturer and retailer of footwear, but the 120 strong retail chain was sold to Timpsons in 1971. Timpsons was purchased by UDS in 1972 but the Norvic retail chain was closed down in 1974. |
Nutters of Savile Row |
|
1969
|
1982
|
Nutters of Savile Row was opened on Valentine's Day 1969 by Tommy Nutter and Edward Sexton, who had worked together at Donaldson, Williamson & Ward. Nutter left business in 1976, but Edward Sexton continues to run the business changing the name in 1982. |
Oakland Menswear |
|
c.1980s
|
1997
|
Created by C&A during the 1980s a standalone business, which was purchased by Stephen Hincliffe's Facia group during the 1990s. Facia however collapsed by 1996, and Ciro Citterio purchased the business from the administrators and rebranded the 27 shops under their branding. |
Officers and Gentleman |
|
c.1990s
|
|
Founded in Sunderland, the business changed its name to The Officers Club. |
The Officers Club |
|
c.1990s
|
2011
|
Founded in Sunderland as Officers and Gentlemans, the name was changed during the 2000s before the business entered administration in 2008. The business was bought by TimeC 1215, a company backed by the companies chief executive David Charlton. However the business again entered administration in 2011, and 47 shops and the brand name were sold to Blue Inc. |
Old Glory |
|
2005
|
2011
|
Clothing wholesaler with shop located in Queens Arcade, Leeds that was dissolved in 2011. |
Olivers |
|
1860
|
2000
|
Founded by George Oliver as a shoe shop in Willenhall, Staffordshire in 1860, followed in 1866 with a branch in Neath, Staffordshire. In 1869 he opened a factory, but closed this by 1875 and concentrated on retail. By 1889 he had over 100 shops and advertised himself as the world's largest boot retailer. The business purchased the footwear shops of rival Timpson in 1987, and had 258 shops. In 2000 it was purchased by smaller rival Shoe Zone who re-branded or closed the shops. |
Olympus Sports |
|
|
1995
|
Sports clothing and footwear retailer who had 24 shops when purchased by Sears in 1978. In 1995, Mayfind, a private investment company owned by Philip Green and Tom Hunter purchased Olympus Sports from Sears, and merged the shops into Tom Hunter's existing business Sports Division. |
One Up |
|
1993
|
|
Clothing & Home discounter created by Shophouse plc. Sold off in 1995 for £20m. |
Open |
|
2014
|
2015
|
Men's clothing shop created by former Blue Inc. buying and design director Stephen Galea and was owned by JD Sports. Four months after its first shop out of a total of 11, JD announced that all shops were closing. |
Original Shoe Company |
|
1991
|
|
Brand-led fashion footwear shop started in 1991. Purchased by Sports Direct in 2006, but sold to JJB Sports in 2007. Closed as part of JJB trying to save itself from administration. |
Owens |
|
|
|
Ladies' outfitters in the 1950s with shops in Preston, Bolton, Eccles, Leigh & Darwen. |
Paige |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing retailer of the 1960s Sold by owners Great Universal Stores in 1986 to Combined English Shops, and at the time had 246 shops. Combined English Shops were purchased by Next in 1987 and Paige shops were gradually closed or converted into the Next format. |
E. Parker |
|
|
|
19th-century dressmakers based in Newington Butts, London. |
Parker Franks |
|
|
|
North west based discounter of homewares and clothing. Changed its name to Xception. |
Pavilion Clothing |
|
1986
|
2015
|
Independent young clothing business based in Wharton Street, Cardiff which closed in 2015 after 29 years of business |
Peter Brown |
|
|
|
Menswear chain purchased by Etam in 1987. |
Peter Pell |
|
1957
|
|
Founded by Hector Mackenzie Frazer in 1957, three years after selling Town Tailors to Great Universal Stores. In 1964 the menswear manufacturer and 45 shops were sold to UDS. |
Phillips Character Shoes |
|
|
|
Shoe retailer owned by British Shoe Corporation. |
Thomas Pike & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Westminster Bridge Road, London |
Pilot |
|
|
2005
|
70 strong ladies' retail chain that went into administration in 2005. |
Platform Nine |
|
|
|
Ladies' fashion retailer of the 1970s and 80s. |
Pocock Brothers |
|
1815
|
c.1960s
|
Founded a manufacturer of footwear in 1815, but started around 1870 in retailing their own goods. |
Polikoff |
|
|
|
Manufacturer and retailer of men's clothing purchased by Great Universal Stores. |
Pollards |
|
1892
|
c.1990s
|
Founded by Waige Pollard, the clothing and haberdashery shop operated across the South East until the mid-1990s. |
Hector Powe |
|
1910
|
|
Founded in the City of London, by 1925 the business had expanded to six shops across London. During the Second World War the company provided uniforms for officers in the RAF. The business was purchased by Hope Brothers in 1954, and in turn Great Universal Stores, who merged the business into its Burberry business. |
Preston Sports |
|
1984
|
c.1995/1996
|
Former trading name of Sports Direct—formerly Mike Ashley Sports. Changed from Preston to Sports Soccer in 1995/96. |
Marcus Price |
|
|
|
1960s chain of menswear shops. |
Priceless Shoes |
|
|
2013
|
Merged with Stylo plc during the 1990s, the business became one of its trading arsm, the other being Barratts. However, in 2009 Stylo went into administration. 220 Barratts and Priceless shops were closed, with the remaining 160 shops and 165 concessions being bought by Barratts Priceless Ltd. This however went into administration in 2011, with Barretts Trading, another Michael Ziff vehicle purchasing 89 of Priceless and Barratts shops. This however went into administration in 2013, with 14 shops being sold to Pavers Shoes and the brand and website being sold to footwear entrepreneur Harvey Jacobsen. |
Principles |
|
1984
|
2009
|
Founded by Burtons for fashion conscious women, with the men's shop Principle for Men opening in 1985. Menswear shop was phased out in late 90s. Shop sold off by Arcadia group in 2001 to a management buyout vehicle called Rubicon Retail. Rubicon was taken over by Mosaic Fashions in 2005. Mosaic Fashions went into administration in 2009, with all 66 Principles shops closing. The brand continues as part of Debenhams, who bought the name from the administrators. |
Pumpkin Patch |
|
|
2012
|
Founded in New Zealand in 1990 by Sally Synott as a childrenswear brand. The UK shops were closed in 2012, however the UK website still operates and the clothing could be purchased in some British Home Stores shops. |
QS Shops |
|
1932
|
2006
|
QS started life as a clothing manufacturer. In the 1960s they opened their first shop selling clothing rejected by main buyer Marks & Spencer. In the 1980s the shop stopped selling seconds and went private in 1990. Was purchased by Hamsard 2353 in 2003 who brought it together with fellow purchase Bewise. Business went into administration in 2006. Some shops became part of Shop Twenty One. |
Qube |
|
|
|
Shoe retailer previously owned by Sir Tom Hunter, then by JJB Sports. Closed as part of JJB trying to save itself from administration. |
Quorum |
|
1964
|
1969
|
Boutique based on Kings Road founded by designer Alice Pollock and textile designer Celia Birtwell, which became famous for its Ossie Clark/Alice Pollock fashions. Closed in 1969 |
Rabbits & Sons Ltd |
|
|
1909
|
Founded in Newington Butts, London as a manufacturer and retailer of footwear, by the 1870s they had multiple shops across London. In 1903 the business was purchased by Freeman, Hardy & Willis and by 1909 had re-branded the shops. |
Ravel Shoes |
|
1934
|
2007
|
Founded by Mrs Wise in 1934, the business grew having shops across London. In 1967 they purchased a shop in Oxford Street called Chausseurs Raul, and changed the name at first to Chausseurs Ravel, then just to plain Ravel. In 1974 Clarks bought the remaining shares that they had not bought in 1967 when the Wise family retired. The business grew to 40 shops but in 2007 Clarks decided to rebrand or close Ravel shops due to slowing sales. The Ravel name was purchased by Harvey Jacobson and is one of the 75 brands operated by his business, Jacobson Group. |
Joyce Raymond |
|
|
|
Ladieswear retailer based at Jones Corner, Canvey Island. |
Razzle Dazzle |
|
|
|
Chain of ladies' fashion clothing shops in the 1980s. |
Red or Dead |
|
1982
|
|
Founded by Wayne & Geraldine Hemmingway in 1982 as a stall in Camden Market, they quickly expanded opening their first shop in Rupert Street, Soho in 1986 and gradually growing to 16 shops. In 1995 the Hemmingways sold the business to Stephen Hincliffe's facia group, however this entered administration in 1996 and the Hemmingways purchased the brand back operating it as a design brand only. In 1998 the brand was sold to the Pentland Group. |
Austin Reed |
|
1900
|
2016
|
Men's clothing shop whose first London shop was opened in Fenchurch Street in 1900, opening their Regent Street shop in 1911. Entered administration in 2016, with the administrator announcing closure of the brands 120 shops by the end of June 2016, with the brand name being purchased by the Edinburgh Woollen Mills. |
Neville Reed |
|
|
|
National chain of men's tailors. |
Rego Clothiers |
|
|
|
Manufacturer and retailer of men's clothing purchased by Great Universal Stores. The business had 80 shops across the London district. |
Reid Brothers |
|
|
|
Men's tailors that was based at the junction of Briggate, Boar Lane and Duncan Street, Leeds during the 1940s. |
Remelle |
|
|
|
High class ladies' outfitters based in Knowsley Road, Bolton during the 1950s.
|
Republic |
|
1998
|
|
Founded in 1985, as Just Jeans, after 1990, the name changed to Best Jeanswear; Republic was launched in 1998. On 28 February 2013, Sports Direct bought 114 Republic shops, the brand name, all remaining stock and own-brands including SoulCal, Crafted and Fabric from the administrators. The Republic head office was also purchased. Sports Direct attempted to negotiate a reduction in rent for a number of shops, but the proposal was rejected by its landlords for those shops: Intu and Land Securities. As a result, 20 shops were closed. The remaining Republic shops were subsequently merged with USC. |
Richard Shops |
|
1927
|
1999
|
Founded by Price Tailors in 1927. Purchased by UDS in 1958. UDS bought by Hanson plc in 1983 and sold Richard Shops to Habitat/Mothercare PLC, which became Shophouse plc (with the merger with BHS). Bought by Sears plc in 1992, which was bought by Sir Philip Green in 1999 and transferred to Arcadia Group. Richard Shops was immediately closed and shops were converted to other Arcadia group brands. |
Ridleys |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters based in Tavern Street, Ipswich. |
George Ripley |
|
1952
|
2016
|
Menswear shop based in Lytham St. Annes. |
Rogers & Co |
|
1825
|
1967
|
Military tailor based in Bruton Street, London which was purchased by Dege & Skinner in 1967. |
Rogers + Rogers |
|
c.1990s
|
2001
|
Fashion brand started by Jeffrey Rogers which went into administration in 2001. |
Jeffrey Rogers |
|
c.1990s
|
2001
|
Retail business founded by designer Jeffrey Rogers during the 1990s. By 1994 the business had 39 shops. However the business went into administration in 2001. The brand name was purchased by Matalan in 2002. |
Rosees Fashion |
|
|
|
Midlands based ladies' fashion chain of the 1960s. |
J. Roussel (Paris-London) |
|
|
|
Ladies' undergarment shop with shops at St. Ann Street, Manchester, 84 Bold Street, Liverpool, 179–181 Regent Street & 137 New Bond Street, London with further branches in Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds. |
T. J. Rowan |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' and gents' tailors based in Kennington Road, London. |
A. W. Rust |
|
|
|
Leather retailer founded in Pitsea, Essex and traded for over 60 years in shops across South Essex. |
Samuel Brothers |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Piccadilly before moving to Ludgate Hill, London. The business now operates a manufacturer of military and workwear and has been based at Deepcut Barracks since 1993. |
Saxone |
|
1901
|
1997
|
Founded in 1901, the shoe retailer and manufacturer merged with rival Lilley and Skinner in 1956. the business was purchased by Sears owned British Shoe Corporation in 1962. In 1996 sold Saxone to entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
Scholes & Scholes |
|
|
|
Bolton menswear shop based in Nelson House, Nelson Square. The business was voluntary wound up in 1988. |
The Scotch House |
|
1900
|
2002
|
A Wollen and Cashmere retailer based in Central London and founded in 1900 by Gardiner Brothers, it was purchased by Great Universal Stores. Business closed in 2002 and merged into Burberry brand, also owned by Great Universal. |
Scotch Wool and Hosiery Shops |
|
1899
|
|
Retail name for the wool millers of Fleming, Reid and Co. Acquired by J. and P. Coats, Patons and Baldwins in 1960. |
Scott Adie |
|
1854
|
|
Scottish themed clothing warehouse and manufacturer, with shop located on the corner of Regent Street & Vigo Street, London. |
Seftons |
|
|
|
Seftons was a small chain of footwear shops based in the Bradford area that was purchased by Courtesy Shoes during the 1960s and rebranded as Medina Shoes. |
Irvine Sellars House of Fashion |
|
c.1960s
|
|
Founded by Irvine Sellars, a market trader in London & Essex who opened his menswear boutique on Carnarby Street in the mid 60s before opening his larger boutique chain Mates. |
Sharps of Preston |
|
|
|
Ladieswear shop based in Preston. |
Shellys Shoes |
|
1946
|
|
Founded as Direct Shoe Supplies in the Kilburn High Road, the name was changed to Shelly after the owners son Shelly Robbins. The business expanded to 11 shops across the UK including the five floored shop in Oxford Street. In 2002 the struggling business was bought by Stylo, however they disposed of the then 6 shops in 2008 to Eternal Best Industries of Hong Kong. They have since relaunced Shelly of London as shoe brand and website. |
Shoe City |
|
c.1980s
|
1998
|
Out of town shoe supermarkets created by the British Shoe Corporation during the 1980s. When Sears broke up the corporation during the 1990s, 47 Shoe City shops was sold to Belgium shoe business Brantano during 1998. |
Shoe Express |
|
1987
|
|
New brand created by British Shoe Corporation during the 1980s to improve sales. Shops from other BSC brands were covereted into the new brand – the first being in St. Helens, Lancashire. |
Shoe Studio |
|
|
|
Former shoe business owned by Baugur through its subsidiary Mosaic, the business operated 11 stand-alone shops and concessions. The brands operated by Shoe Studio and its concessions were purchased by Dune in 2009. |
Shoefayre |
|
1959
|
2007
|
Founded by the Co-operative Group as the co-operative footwear retailer. The business was as a separate business owned by the Co-Op until 2005, when the organisation brought it under the control of its Specialist Retail Division. At the same time the business announced a new refurbishment programme of its 260 shops. In 2007 it was announced that Co-Op were looking for a buyer, and in September it was announced that Shoe Zone had purchased the business. Shoefayre sites were either rebranded or closed by Shoe Zone after the purchase. |
Signet Shoe Company |
|
|
|
Shoe retailers based at 184 Oxford Street, London, with further shops in The Strand, Sloane Square, Piccadilly in Manchester and Lord Street, Liverpool. |
Silver Shoes |
|
1980
|
|
Founded by Harry Demopoulos as Silver Shoes, becoming Tower Boots before changing its name to TOWER London. |
Simpsons of Picadilly |
|
1894
|
2000
|
Founded as S. Simpson by Simeon Simpson was a manufacturer of bespoke tailoring based in London. In 1935 Simeon's son Alexander invented the first supporting trouser, and branded it DAKS. In 1936 Alexander opened the first Simpsons shop – Simpsons of Picadilly to sell he companies clothing. In 1991 the business was sold to Sankyo Seiko Co. Limited, who at the turn of the century moved the shop from Picadilly to Old Bond Street and renamed the business DAKS. |
Smart Weston |
|
|
|
National menswear chain. |
Smiths Menswear |
|
|
|
Menswear chain headquartered in Edinburgh. |
Snob |
|
c.1960s
|
c.1980s
|
1960s boutique fashion brand that started the change in clothing purchases. Bought by Etam in 1987 and were eventually rebranded under the Etam or Tammy Girl names. |
C. G. Southcott & Co |
|
c.1880s
|
1980
|
A partnership founded in the 1880s as a clothing manufacturer, the business opened its first retail shop in the early 1900s. Mainly a retailer of menswear, the business also moved into manufacturing school uniforms. The business finally closed in 1980. |
John Southworth |
|
|
|
A shoe shop based in Preston purchased by Clarks in 1935. |
Spalding & Sons |
|
19th Century
|
1940s
|
Chelmsford based sports outfitters, which were also a photography shop and toy seller. Originally based on Tindall Square before moving to property next to Saracen Head at 4–5 High Street in 1892. |
Sports Connection |
|
1980
|
2003
|
Scottish based Sports chain that operated 30 shops until it went into administration in 2003. 24 of the shops were purchased by the Original Shoe Company. |
Sports Division |
|
1984
|
1998
|
Started by Tom Hunter from the back of a van. He built the business up to the UK's largest sorts retailer, purchasing Sears Olympus Sports, before selling the business to smaller rival JJB in 1998. |
Sports Soccer |
|
c.1995–96
|
2005
|
Preston Sports changed their name to Sports Soccer in 1995 along with their head office relocation to Dunstable. Name was changed to Sports World in 2005. |
Sports World |
|
2005
|
2007
|
Rebranded name for Sports Soccer, which was re-branded to Sports Direct from 2007. |
Start-rite Shoes |
|
1920
|
|
Started by a Quant & Son, a shoe retailer in 1920, the business was purchased by James Southall, a footwear manufacturer in 1921. The business grew into a manufacturing name and retail business, before the retail business was closed down and shops sold to Jones the Bootmaker. |
Stead & Simpson |
|
|
2008
|
Founded in Leeds during the 19th century as curriers and leather dealers, the business moved into the manufacturing and retailing of footwear. During the 1990s, they purchased the chains Lilley & Skinner and Shoe Express from Sears, however the business went into administration in 2008, and was purchased by Shoe Zone who converted most of the shops to the Shoe Zone brand. |
Mabel Stephenson Ltd |
|
|
|
Ladies' clothing shop based in Blackburn that was purchased by the Lytham St. Annes department store J.R. Taylor. |
Stewarts |
|
|
|
Middlesbrough based menswear manufacturer and retailer with 130 shops purchased by Prices Tailors, owners of Fifty Shilling Tailor, in 1932. |
Stirling Cooper |
|
1967
|
c.1990s
|
Stirling Cooper was started by two London cab drivers Ronnie Stirling and Jeff Cooper in 1967 as a London-based fashion wholesaler and retailer. The business operated until the 1990s. |
Stone Dri - The Direct Raincoat Company |
|
1948
|
c.1970s
|
Founded when the four Stone brothers took over their father's coat making business. The business expanded into retail and by 1960 had over 80 shops nationwide. The business closed during the 1970s. |
H. W. Stones Sports |
|
|
|
Essex based sports shop chain created by local multiple electrical retailer and Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealer who helped set up Essex Radio. Dennis Lloyd, father of British tennis stars John and David Lloyd, ran the Leigh shop. The business was sold off to Mike Beesley to form M & J Sports. |
Streetwise Sports |
|
|
2009
|
Founded by Paul & Ian Simpson, the 32 shop chain was purchased by Sports Direct in 2006. The business was sold by Sports Direct to Melvyn Reiss and Stephen Mucklow in 2008, however the business entered administration in Feb 2009. |
Jeanne Stuart of Blackpool |
|
|
|
Ladies' fashion shop located at 13 & 23 Queen Street, Blackpool. |
Studd & Millington |
|
|
|
Tailors of the early 20th century based in several locations across London. Also supplied officers of the British Army with uniform. |
Stylo |
|
1935
|
|
Founded as Stylo Boot Company (Northern) Ltd after the amalgamation of three shoe business. In 1964 it had 150 shops and purchased rival W Barratt Boot & Shoe Company. Eventually all branches were rebranded under the Barrets name. |
SU214 |
|
c. Late 1990s
|
|
High-fashion menswear chain created by Arcadia group and named after the address of its flagship shop – 214 Oxford Street. Business was incorporated into Topman under the 'BrandMAX' initiative. |
Sugg Sports |
|
|
2001
|
Founded in Liverpool by Walter Sugg and his brother Frank, the business grew to 11 shops by its closure in 2001. |
The Suit Company |
|
1982
|
2000
|
Retail brand opened by Moss Bros, which was incorporated into the new Code brand that existed from 2000 to 2002. |
Suits You |
|
|
2010
|
Rebranded name of Brick's Manshops, by Brian and Alex Brick, who sold their retail business SRG in 2005 for £30m. The business was purchased by Egyptian group Arafa Holdings in 2008. However the 66-shop business entered administration in October 2010, 12 of the shops were purchased by the former owners and re-opened as Suit Direct. |
Sullivan Sports |
|
|
|
Liverpool based chain of sport shops purchased by Blacks Leisure in 1987. |
Swears and Wells |
|
1816
|
c.1970s
|
Started by Frederick Swears and Thomas William Wells in Regent Street, the shop became a national chain of furriers that was purchased by UDS and closed during the 1970s. |
Take 6 |
|
c.1960s
|
|
Boutique founded in Carnaby Street, London that grew into a chain of fashion shops. |
Tammy Girl |
|
|
2005
|
Founded by Etam UK as its children's business, the business was purchased by Philip Green in 2005, with all shops closed and the (now called) Tammy brand incorporated into British Home Stores. |
E. Tautz & Sons |
|
1867
|
|
Men's tailors which opened a shop at 485 Oxford Street. Shop destroyed by fire in 1898. Now a brand owned by tailors Norton & Sons. |
Gilbert Taylor |
|
|
|
Men's outfitters based in Garden Street, St Annes on Sea and Deansgate, Bolton. |
Teesside Sports |
|
|
|
Sports shop chain bought by Blacks in 1987, which became part of First Sport. |
John Temple Tailors |
|
|
|
Men's tailors chain purchased by Great Universal Stores. |
Thomas & Sons |
|
|
|
Ladies' and gents' hunting tailors based in Brook Street, London. |
Thornton & Co |
|
|
|
A manufacturer of Indian Rubber goods and seller of athletic wear who were based at 50/51 Briggate, Leeds. The building is now grade 2 listed. |
Tie Rack |
|
1981
|
2013
|
Tie Rack was founded in August 1981 by Roy Bishko with the first shop opening in Oxford Street, London. The business expanded to over 300 shops across the world, however in 2013 it was announced that all 44 of the remaining UK shops would be closed. |
Timpson |
|
1865
|
1987
|
Founded in Manchester by William Timpson and his brother in law, Walter Joyce as a shoe retailer. In 1884 they moved into manufacturing and then repairs in 1903. In 1973 after a boardroom battle between the Timpson family, United Drapery Shops purchased the business. UDS was purchased by Hanson Trust in 1983, and the breakup of the company included the sale of Timpson back to a buyout led by John Timpson. In 1987, Timpson sold off the shoe retailing business to rival Olivers, retaining the shoe repair business. |
Tissimans |
|
1601
|
2013
|
Opened as Slaters in 1601, before being renamed as Tissimans in the early 19th century. Closed by owners W. E. Cole in 2013. Before its closure it claimed to be the world's oldest men's clothing establishment. |
Top Footwear for Men |
|
1962
|
1992
|
It was founded in St. Albans in 1962. By 1973 the business had expanded to six shops, and this had grown to 23 by the end of the 1980s. In 1987 it changed its name to Top Shoes for Men. In 1991 the shop became Top Shoes, selling both men's and ladies' ranges, and in 1992 started changing the brand to SOLETRADER. By 2000 there were 40 shops in the chain. In 2003 the business started sister brand Sole, selling more luxury brands. |
Tower Boots |
|
1980
|
|
Founded by Harry Demopoulos as Silver Shoes, becoming Tower Boots before changing its name to TOWER London. |
Town Tailors |
|
c.1930s
|
|
Founded by Hector MacKenzie Frazer, it was a Manufacturer and retailer of men's clothing purchased by Great Universal Stores in 1954. |
Trewby Brothers |
|
|
|
19th-century ladies' costumier based in Waterloo Road, London. |
True Form |
|
c.1891
|
1997
|
Founded by John (known as Jack) Sears in Northampton as a low price manufacturer and retailer of shoes. Charles Clore purchased J Sears & Co, the parent company in 1953, and in 1956 reorganised Sears shoe business' into the British Shoe Corporation. In 1996 it sold True Form to entrepreneur Stephen Hinchliffe and his business Facia. A year later the business collapsed along with the rest of Hinchliffe's business empire. |
S Tully |
|
|
|
19th and early 20th century dressmaker and milliner based at 21 Great Russell Street, London. |
Turnbull, Reakes & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in The Strand, London. |
Turner Shoes |
|
|
|
150 strong chain of shoe shops purchased by Hepworths in 1978. |
Tyler Shoes |
|
1817
|
1996
|
Founded in Leceister in 1817 as a boot manufacturer, they branched out into retailing having shops across the UK and Eire. In 1986 the business was purchased by Bensonshoe and its 61 shops were incorporated under the Discount Shoe Zone brand from 1996. |
Van Allen |
|
|
1981
|
Ladies' fashion shop which closed in 1981 after being purchased by UDS three years earlier. |
Vantella |
|
|
|
Men's shirts shop that was based at 465 Oxford Street, London. |
Vince Man's Shop |
|
1954
|
1969
|
Founded by Bill Green initially as a mail order business, before opening a boutique in Newburgh Street, London. The business continued to operate until it was closed in 1969. |
Virgo |
|
|
2015
|
London based ladies' fashion retailer that went into administration in January 2015. |
Vogue Fashion Shops |
|
|
|
Clothing retaler owned by Great Universal Stores. |
Wade Smith |
|
1981
|
2005
|
Founded by Robert Wade Smith in Liverpool, the footwear retailer expanded to a 10 shop fashionwear chain before being purchased by the Arcadia Group in 1998. The business was sold by Arcadia back to Robert Wade Smith in 2001. The business closed down in 2005. |
Wakefields (Midlands) Ltd |
|
|
|
Chain of 50 shops purchased by A G Milletts in 1984 |
F. Wallis |
|
|
|
Hosier and glover based at 56 Briggate, Leeds. In 1919 the shop was replaced by Timpsons. |
Walwyns |
|
|
|
A shoe shop based in Moseley, Birmingham purchased by Clarks. |
Terry Warner Sports |
|
|
2000
|
Group of 21 shops, which was part of a management buyout in 1997. The shops were purchased by Hargreaves Sports in 2000. |
Watson Prickard |
|
c.19th century
|
2010
|
Founded in Liverpool during the 19th century, A W Cockeram bought the men's outfitters in 1893. The Liverpool shop was located at North John Street in Liverpool, and by the 1950s had a shop at 73/75 Princess Street, Manchester. In 1993 the business opened a shop in Lord Street, Southport, however this was closed by Howard Cockeram in 2010. |
Fred Watts & Co |
|
|
|
19th-century menswear shop based in Tottenham Court Road & Euston Road, London, which was believed to have been swallowed up by rival London firm Chas Baker & Co. |
Weaver to Weaver |
|
c.1930s
|
|
Retail arm of Towns Tailors. Name was changed to Towns Tailors after Great Universal Stores purchased the business in 1954. |
Werff |
|
|
|
Werff Brothers were founded in London during the 19th century and by the 1960s were a national chain for ladieswear. Werff also operated the My Fur Lady fur brand. |
West 8 |
|
|
|
Small chain of sports shops based in London owned founded by the Spurling family. The business was bought by Blacks Leisure in 1988 and merged into its newly created First Sport division. |
Western Jean Company |
|
1976
|
|
Chain of jeans and casual wear shops purchased by French Connection. Company is still registered as a dormant business along with French Connection at 20–22 Bedford Row, London. |
Whitneys |
|
|
|
Clothing retaler owned by Great Universal Stores. |
Wilderness Ways |
|
|
1997
|
Outdoor clothing, footwear and equipment chain purchased and rebranded by Nevisport in 1997. |
Willerby & Co |
|
|
|
Men's tailors |
Williams & Hopkins |
|
|
c.1970s
|
Costumier and draper based in Bournemouth, whose name appeared in Vogue during the 1950s. |
J. O. Williams |
|
1895
|
|
Based in the Castle Buildings, Llanelli. The self-styled ladies' and gents' tailor and costumier was an agent for Burberry. |
Willsons Fashions |
|
|
|
Ladies' fashion retailer that expanded after the Second World War. |
Wiltex |
|
|
|
Retail chain based in north of England purchased by Parkash Singh Chima along with Wiltex to form Bonmarché. |
J & C Winter |
|
|
|
Holborn, London based Tailors and Outfitters founded in the 19th century. |
Woodrow |
|
|
|
Millners and outwear retailer based at 48Piccadilly, London with further branches at 42 Cornhill, London as well as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Dublin. |
Woolf Brothers |
|
|
|
19th-century men's tailors based in King William Street, London. |
M. Woolf |
|
|
|
19th-century tailors based in Lower Marsh, Lambeth, London. |
Worth Et Cie |
|
|
|
19th century corset makes based at 134 New Bond Street. |
Woven Trends |
|
2017
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Ladies' clothing and accessories company based in West Reading, specializing in luxury ladies' wear and accessories. |
Wyles Brothers |
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Founded in Derby as a footwear manufacturer, they moved into retail and had 50 shops before they were bought by G B Britton & Sons, manufacturers of TUF shoes in 1961. |
Xception |
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New name for North West-based Parker Franks, a discounter selling a variety of clothes and homewares |
YHA Adventure Shops |
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1950
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2004
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Founded by the YHA as mail order business, the first shop opened in 1953 in Bedford Street, London. In 1990 the shop management bought the business from the YHA and formed YHA Adventure Shops plc. This company was wound up in 2004. |
Zara |
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Ladies' accessory shop located at 71 New Bond Street, London at the turn of the century. |