Ann Inc

Competitors: About us Ann Harvey – Ladies fashion range of plus size jackets, coats, clothes and more Ann Harvey are UK based retailers offering a large range of ladies fashion including plus size jackets, coats and a full range of plus size clothes. We are thrilled to bring you our latest collection direct to your door. Ann Harvey is designed exclusively for women with curves, offering a range of high quality contemporary ladies clothing to flatter sizes 16-32. We have many years of experience which has enabled us to perfect our fit ensuring that you, our customer, have clothes that look tailor made and flatter curvaceous figures. We are passionate at Ann Harvey about flattering, affordable fashion and we strive to ensure that we offer real choice and value for money. We provide modern soft separates, relaxed and stylish casual wear and elegant, glamorous occasion wear. The Ann Harvey range of women’s plus size clothes, jackets and coats feature well cut and sophisticated tailoring. We ensure that there is something for everyone. We want all of our customers to experience the confidence boost that a great outfit can bring. Go on, explore our full selection of plus size ladies fashion, we are certain you will not be disappointed. Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors:

About us

Ann Harvey – Ladies fashion range of plus size jackets, coats, clothes and more

Ann Harvey are UK based retailers offering a large range of ladies fashion including plus size jackets, coats and a full range of plus size clothes. We are thrilled to bring you our latest collection direct to your door. Ann Harvey is designed exclusively for women with curves, offering a range of high quality contemporary ladies clothing to flatter sizes 16-32.

We have many years of experience which has enabled us to perfect our fit ensuring that you, our customer, have clothes that look tailor made and flatter curvaceous figures.

We are passionate at Ann Harvey about flattering, affordable fashion and we strive to ensure that we offer real choice and value for money. We provide modern soft separates, relaxed and stylish casual wear and elegant, glamorous occasion wear. The Ann Harvey range of women’s plus size clothes, jackets and coats feature well cut and sophisticated tailoring. We ensure that there is something for everyone.

We want all of our customers to experience the confidence boost that a great outfit can bring. Go on, explore our full selection of plus size ladies fashion, we are certain you will not be disappointed.

Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors: about us 1970’s Country Casuals opens their first 5 shops in Scotland within 1 week! Country Casuals was launched originally as part of the Coats Patons Group (now known as the Coats Viyella Group). Country Casuals hit the West End, opening a shop within John Lewis on Oxford Street and were the first to offer a fully co-ordinated range of separates, (this was seen as quite revolutionary at the time). Just one year on, Country Casuals was busy making news in Europe, opening stores in Denmark and Germany, then in Holland the following year. Country Casuals and Austin Reed get together for the first time and the Country Casuals range is made available at all Austin Reed stores nationwide. 1980’s Things were going swimmingly until the recession of the late 80’s began to bite.Times were tough for retailers, but the future of Country Casuals was secured in 1989 by a management buyout team, intent on building a vibrant brand, totally focused on the customer. It worked. The new vision and timely change resulted in an exceptional increase in sales despite deep national recession. 1990’s Country Casuals venture into the world of television advertising making it one of the first retail fashion brands to do so. The Country Casuals brand celebrated its 21st birthday in 1994 with the launch of a customer loyalty scheme. Another first among fashion brands, the scheme helped to increase customer loyalty by giving the company a greater understanding of their customers needs. This highly successful and popular scheme continues to grow and is a vital part of the business today. Country Casuals was acquired by the Austin Reed Group in January 1998. 2000’s As part of the Austin Reed Group, Country Casuals continued to expand and by popular request in 2001 Country Casuals Petite was introduced, with creations designed specifically for woman of 5’3” and under. 2005 sees possibly the biggest change of all, with Country Casuals becoming CC. It’s much more than just a change of name. CC is the brand for today’s discerning generation and brings with it a refreshing new look and contemporary feel.And in the true CC spirit of change and innovation, 2005 also sees the launch of a new CC Credit Card offering customers one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes on the high street. CC now has over 225 stores including freestanding stores,  combined CC and Viyella stores and concessions located in many of the countries most successful department store brands including House of Fraser, John Lewis, Debenhams and Beatties among others. Please use the store locator to find your nearest store or shop online now! Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors:


about us

1970’s

Country Casuals opens their first 5 shops in Scotland within 1 week! Country Casuals was launched originally as part of the Coats Patons Group (now known as the Coats Viyella Group).

Country Casuals hit the West End, opening a shop within John Lewis on Oxford Street and were the first to offer a fully co-ordinated range of separates, (this was seen as quite revolutionary at the time).

Just one year on, Country Casuals was busy making news in Europe, opening stores in Denmark and Germany, then in Holland the following year.

Country Casuals and Austin Reed get together for the first time and the Country Casuals range is made available at all Austin Reed stores nationwide.

1980’s

Things were going swimmingly until the recession of the late 80’s began to bite.Times were tough for retailers, but the future of Country Casuals was secured in 1989 by a management buyout team, intent on building a vibrant brand, totally focused on the customer. It worked. The new vision and timely change resulted in an exceptional increase in sales despite deep national recession.

1990’s

Country Casuals venture into the world of television advertising making it one of the first retail fashion brands to do so.

The Country Casuals brand celebrated its 21st birthday in 1994 with the launch of a customer loyalty scheme. Another first among fashion brands, the scheme helped to increase customer loyalty by giving the company a greater understanding of their customers needs. This highly successful and popular scheme continues to grow and is a vital part of the business today.

Country Casuals was acquired by the Austin Reed Group in January 1998.

2000’s

As part of the Austin Reed Group, Country Casuals continued to expand and by popular request in 2001 Country Casuals Petite was introduced, with creations designed specifically for woman of 5’3” and under.

2005 sees possibly the biggest change of all, with Country Casuals becoming CC. It’s much more than just a change of name. CC is the brand for today’s discerning generation and brings with it a refreshing new look and contemporary feel.And in the true CC spirit of change and innovation, 2005 also sees the launch of a new CC Credit Card offering customers one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes on the high street.

CC now has over 225 stores including freestanding stores,  combined CC and Viyella stores and concessions located in many of the countries most successful department store brands including House of Fraser, John Lewis, Debenhams and Beatties among others. Please use the store locator to find your nearest store or shop online now!

Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors: About Us Formed in 1784, Viyella is one of the UK’s oldest clothing manufacturers. It is a name underpinned by ideals of function and form, as well as a deeply ingrained appreciation for classic tailoring and exquisitely crafted fabrics designed to last. In 2009 the label was bought out by the Austin Reed Group, and echoes the same unrivalled craftsmanship and tailoring as found in the famous menswear label. Classic, understated and elegant without exception, every collection is designed to satisfy the needs and tastes of the Viyella woman - whatever the occasion. There are currently over 170 locations which includes Viyella freestanding stores, combined CC and Viyella stores and concessions located throughout the UK with more scheduled to open in the near future. Please use the store locator to find your nearest store, or simply shop online today. Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors:

About Us

Formed in 1784, Viyella is one of the UK’s oldest clothing manufacturers. It is a name underpinned by ideals of function and form, as well as a deeply ingrained appreciation for classic tailoring and exquisitely crafted fabrics designed to last. In 2009 the label was bought out by the Austin Reed Group, and echoes the same unrivalled craftsmanship and tailoring as found in the famous menswear label. Classic, understated and elegant without exception, every collection is designed to satisfy the needs and tastes of the Viyella woman - whatever the occasion.

There are currently over 170 locations which includes Viyella freestanding stores, combined CC and Viyella stores and concessions located throughout the UK with more scheduled to open in the near future. Please use the store locator to find your nearest store, or simply shop online today.
Posted by Harriet Dunn 13/05/12

Competitors

Debenhams has 153 stores across the UK and Ireland and a fully transactional website, reflecting Debenhams’ commitment to offering our customers greater value, a wider choice and excellent service across every area in which we trade.

(Posted by Charlotte 12/05/12)

US Brands in the UK

FASHION & OTHER FASHION BRANDS:

Gap - Strong branding through clothes, gap in the market when launched, aiming at more casual wear and slowly introduced formal wear, wide target audience.

Apple - Niche market, Strong brand identity/image, strong marketing which creates hype for the new products, feel part of a community, Store layout makes you want to play with them so influence you to buy.

Hollister, A&F, Gilly Hicks - Niche, bringing America to the UK, strong branding through logo products as people are walking advertisements, V&M and store experience is new to the UK eg use of smell.

Urban Outfitters -aiming at the casual/young market, desirable clothing.

American Apparel - aiming at the younger market, strong brand image, shops are in student locations where their target market is.

Forever 21 - aiming at a young market, fits in on the high street, demand strong for mid/low market clothing, strong branding/marketing.

Nike - wide target audience, Strong brand identity, easy accessible prices, strong marketing strategies.

UNSUCCESSFUL:

Hersheys - UK already has a strong confectionary market, people prefer sweeter chocolate eg Cadburys, expensive compared to other brands of chocolate.

ARTICLES:http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/american-beauties-us-clothing-brands-land-in-the-uk-7674942.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/entrepreneurship-articles/situation-analysis-of-abercrombie-and-fitch-uk-1814074.html

 

Posted by Charlotte Exley 8/05/12

Competitors: Gap We are: A leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies. With about 132,000 employees and about 3,000 company-operated stores and about 200 franchise stores, our presence is felt around the world. Guided by humility, compassion and a strong desire to win, the Fishers grew their company thoughtfully. Customers responded. While many things have changed since 1969, the principles on which we were founded have stayed the same: creativity, delivering results, doing what’s right and always thinking of our customers first. Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12

Competitors:

Gap

We are: A leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies. With about 132,000 employees and about 3,000 company-operated stores and about 200 franchise stores, our presence is felt around the world.

Guided by humility, compassion and a strong desire to win, the Fishers grew their company thoughtfully. Customers responded.

While many things have changed since 1969, the principles on which we were founded have stayed the same: creativity, delivering results, doing what’s right and always thinking of our customers first.

Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12

Competitors: Marks & Spencer As one of the UK’s leading retailers, we sell stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality food, responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally. Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors:

Marks & Spencer

As one of the UK’s leading retailers, we sell stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products, as well as outstanding quality food, responsibly sourced from around 2,000 suppliers globally.


Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors: Dorothy Perkins About us Established over 90 years ago, Dorothy Perkins is now one of the biggest fashion retailers in the country, with nearly 600 UK stores and over 50 international outlets. Dorothy Perkins’ ranges are updated weekly in store and daily online. The brand offers sizes 6 to 22, and a wide range of collections including Tall, Petite, Maternity, Lingerie, Shoes and Accessories. Dorothy Perkins provides affordable, feminine fashion and a shopping experience customers clearly love - a jersey top is sold every two seconds and the store has won numerous awards for its collections. Customer profile With an age range of 25 - 40 years, Dorothy Perkins has the widest customer base of all our brands. The average Dorothy Perkins customer is in her early thirties and she’s likely to be a busy mum or working woman. She loves fashion and takes a close interest in the new trends, but often doesn’t feel able to carry off some of the latest looks. She’s not always confident about her body, and doesn’t always know what suits her, so Dorothy Perkins gives her fashion inspiration and advice. Quality, fit and price are all important to her. Social Policy When customers buy our goods, we want them to be confident that they have been produced under acceptable conditions. That means the goods must have been produced: lawfully, through fair and honest dealing; without exploiting the people who make them; in decent working conditions; and without damaging the environment. Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors:

Dorothy Perkins

About us

Established over 90 years ago, Dorothy Perkins is now one of the biggest fashion retailers in the country, with nearly 600 UK stores and over 50 international outlets.

Dorothy Perkins’ ranges are updated weekly in store and daily online. The brand offers sizes 6 to 22, and a wide range of collections including Tall, Petite, Maternity, Lingerie, Shoes and Accessories.

Dorothy Perkins provides affordable, feminine fashion and a shopping experience customers clearly love - a jersey top is sold every two seconds and the store has won numerous awards for its collections.

Customer profile

With an age range of 25 - 40 years, Dorothy Perkins has the widest customer base of all our brands. The average Dorothy Perkins customer is in her early thirties and she’s likely to be a busy mum or working woman.

She loves fashion and takes a close interest in the new trends, but often doesn’t feel able to carry off some of the latest looks. She’s not always confident about her body, and doesn’t always know what suits her, so Dorothy Perkins gives her fashion inspiration and advice. Quality, fit and price are all important to her.

Social Policy

When customers buy our goods, we want them to be confident that they have been produced under acceptable conditions. That means the goods must have been produced:

  • lawfully, through fair and honest dealing;
  • without exploiting the people who make them;
  • in decent working conditions; and
  • without damaging the environment.

Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors: Wallis When customers buy our goods, we want them to be confident  that they have been produced under acceptable conditions. That means the goods must have been produced: lawfully, through fair and honest dealing; without exploiting the people who made them; in decent working conditions; and without damaging the environment. The Arcadia Code of Conduct applies to the manufacturer or any other person involved in supplying goods to our companies. The  code is designed to be fair, achievable and easy to check, and to promote the  ongoing development of our suppliers. Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors:

Wallis

When customers buy our goods, we want them to be confident  that they have been produced under acceptable conditions. That means the goods must have been produced:

  • lawfully, through fair and honest dealing;
  • without exploiting the people who made them;
  • in decent working conditions; and
  • without damaging the environment.


The Arcadia Code of Conduct applies to the manufacturer or any other person involved in supplying goods to our companies. The  code is designed to be fair, achievable and easy to check, and to promote the  ongoing development of our suppliers.


Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12.

Competitors: Next Our Approach Our aim is to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations of Next as a company and the products we sell by providing: Exciting, beautifully designed, excellent quality clothing and homeware that reflects the aspirations and means of our customers Delivering to our Brand values means Next products should be well made, functional, safe and free from harmful chemicals. We are committed to ensuring no-one should be harmed when our products are being made or whilst they are being used. Through these values, we work to attract, retain and develop relationships with our customers to build their trust and confidence in our reputation for quality, price and service. Our priorities are to: Ensure the quality of our products Ensure our products are safe and fit for their intended purpose Ensure our products fully comply with all legislation and our own standards where these go beyond legislative requirements Ensure our products are sourced in a responsible manner Next is committed to operating a responsible and successful business. We aim to provide a high level of service to all our customers to welcome them to Next, whether they are shopping in our high street, shopping centre or retail park stores, the Next Directory, or on line through our website. However our customers choose to shop with us, it must be safe, welcoming and easily accessible for all. Our Challenges and Targets Continue to identify products within our ranges to determine the opportunity to develop reduced packaging methods Scope out and develop a robust reporting tool and procedure to help track the timber sources used in our products, including working with our suppliers to ensure they understand our requirements To develop our commitment to the responsible sourcing of raw materials, we will start to work with some of our suppliers to understand and gain visibility of the entire supply chain across a number of product categories Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12

Competitors:

Next

Our Approach

Our aim is to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations of Next as a company and the products we sell by providing:

Exciting, beautifully designed, excellent quality clothing and homeware that reflects the aspirations and means of our customers

Delivering to our Brand values means Next products should be well made, functional, safe and free from harmful chemicals. We are committed to ensuring no-one should be harmed when our products are being made or whilst they are being used. Through these values, we work to attract, retain and develop relationships with our customers to build their trust and confidence in our reputation for quality, price and service.

Our priorities are to:

  • Ensure the quality of our products
  • Ensure our products are safe and fit for their intended purpose
  • Ensure our products fully comply with all legislation and our own standards where these go beyond legislative requirements
  • Ensure our products are sourced in a responsible manner

Next is committed to operating a responsible and successful business. We aim to provide a high level of service to all our customers to welcome them to Next, whether they are shopping in our high street, shopping centre or retail park stores, the Next Directory, or on line through our website. However our customers choose to shop with us, it must be safe, welcoming and easily accessible for all.

Our Challenges and Targets

  • Continue to identify products within our ranges to determine the opportunity to develop reduced packaging methods
  • Scope out and develop a robust reporting tool and procedure to help track the timber sources used in our products, including working with our suppliers to ensure they understand our requirements
  • To develop our commitment to the responsible sourcing of raw materials, we will start to work with some of our suppliers to understand and gain visibility of the entire supply chain across a number of product categories

Posted by Harriet Dunn 06/05/12