BUSINESS OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION > AUSTIN REED GROUP LTD

The Austin Reed Group comprises three core businesses - Austin Reed, CC (the new name for Country Casuals) and International Licensing - and was listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1920 until January 2007 when it returned to private ownership.

If you would like to know more about the Austin Reed and CC product offerings please visit their own websites by clicking on the icons below:

The Group trades from in the region of 280 stores and concessions, mainly in the United Kingdom and has licensing agreements which operate in Europe, US, Japan, India and other Far Eastern countries.

A BRIEF HISTORY > AUSTIN REED

From a single shop, Austin Reed has grown from a traditional retailer into a dynamic and progressive business, with outlets throughout the UK.

Austin Reed opened his first men’s tailoring store in 1900 in Fenchurch Street, London, having learnt “tricks of the trade” from American retailers and manufacturers. Within 11 years he opened an impressive flagship store, dedicated to tailoring, ready-to-wear clothing and grooming, in London’s premier shopping location - Regent Street.

Consumer demands and design trends have evolved dramatically over the past century. Austin Reed has shown commitment to innovation and readiness to respond to new market directions and retailing practices.

         In 1925, recognising such an opportunity, Austin Reed took the revolutionary step of
         offering high quality, value-for-money ready-to-wear suits.

         In the 1980’s the rise of the “power-dressed” businesswoman led to the development of a
         collection to meet the needs of this new breed of career woman.

         The recent relaxation of dress codes and increased leisure time inspired the company to
         introduce its ‘reed’ label in 1998, offering contemporary smart casualwear in quality
         fabrics.

The Austin Reed brand has long been synonymous with quality tailoring, gaining international acclaim for technical and design innovation that seamlessly blends modernity and tradition. Today, Austin Reed offers both casual and formalwear, aimed at “successful men and women with the mind-set of a ‘thirty-something’”.

The flagship Regent Street store was refurbished during 2002 / 2003 and was re-launched in September 2003.

In January 2006 Austin Reed traded from 42 standalone stores and 29 concessions.

A BRIEF HISTORY > CC, formerly COUNTRY CASUALS

Originally part of the Coats Patons Group, the company was founded in 1973. For much of its early years it was part of what has now become the Coats Viyella Group. In 1989 Country Casuals became independent following a management buyout and over the next 9 years the company was at the forefront of fashion retailing in its chosen market sector.

Country Casuals was acquired by the Austin Reed Group in January 1998. As a result of successful growth since its acquisition it represented 50% of the Group’s retail sales in the year to January 2002.

CC is a leading women’s clothing and accessories brand in the contemporary classics sector. It is a design led business, which develops exclusive collections to offer discerning women quality clothing that fits their lifestyle comfortably.

Building on the success of its main range, Country Casuals developed and successfully launched a Petite collection for women of 5’3” and under, in February 2001. To exploit the potential of the Petite collection, it will be rebranded ‘MINOSA’ for Autumn 2004.

While focusing its own resources in the design and development of its two principle collections, there is collaboration with external shoe and jewellery companies to compliment the brands own highly successful accessory offer.
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September 2005 saw a dramatic change to Country Casuals, from product to brand-name becoming simply CC and revolutionising its collection. Glamour and style have been added to every area of the brand. Silhouettes have been updated, texture and embellishment added throughout the ranges, thus creating a modern, relevant wardrobe for today’s 24 hour women. A new look and feel runs throughout the elegant CC stores designed to allow the fantastic ne clothing ranges to stand out. Customers can now shop easily in a feminine, tranquil environment.


At January 2006 it operated from over 63 shops and 124 concessions nationally

A BRIEF HISTORY > INTERNATIONAL LICENSING

International expansion began in 1929 when Cunard selected Austin Reed to open a shop on the transatlantic liner, the Aquitania, reflecting the extent to which the company had established itself as the UK’s premier menswear retailer. This was followed by concessions on two great ships, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, in 1936 and 1946 respectively.

Further international expansion came in the 1960s when the first license was signed for the use of its brand in the US by Hart Marx. Today, Austin Reed has licensing agreements which operate in Europe, US, Japan, Russia, India and other Far Eastern countries.

© 2007 Austin Reed Group Ltd. All rights reserved.
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