Vintage-inspired Cath Kidston is a designer, wholesaler and retailer of fabrics, homewares, clothing and fashion accessories. The business trades through around 80 outlets in the UK plus a number of concessions and outlets, but most of its recent expansion has taken place internationally, with a particular focus on Asia. Japan and China are its primary target markets, with plans to open over 50 stores in China in the next five years. Founded in 1993 by Cath Kidston, its products promise “English heritage designs with a modern twist”. The retailer operates a high-profile flagship store in London. At 7,000 sq ft across three floors, the store is four times as large as its average UK store size, allowing the company to showcase its entire product range. Cath Kidston’s domestic store locations reflect its upmarket customer base – with a strong south-eastern bias. To drive growth, Cath Kidston is beginning to focus on its online offering, as well as its marketing – including collaborations with celebrities – to extend its demographic.
Fashion giant Next has added to its stable of brands with the acquisition of Cath Kidston for £8.5m.
Cath Kidston may be up for sale for the second time in less than a year.
Investor Hilco is understood to have acquired fashion retailer Cath Kidston, famous for its distinctive design.
Cath Kidston has raised a for sale sign, two years after it fell into administration.
As pureplays Boohoo and Asos scoop up the brand rights to former high street darlings Debenhams and Topshop, switching them to online only, Retail Week gleans lessons from brands that have already ditched their stores.
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