Jack Wills is a fashion and lifestyle brand selling premium clothing and accessories aimed at young men and women. The business operates stores across five territories, with the majority in the UK, and has an online site. The brand – known for its signature pheasant logo – epitomises quintessential, affluent Britishness. It was founded in Salcombe, Devon in 1999, named after one of the founders’ grandparents. As its business grew, Jack Wills stores were opened in university towns or those near private schools including Eton, Oxford and St Andrews. Originally with the slogan ‘University Outfitters’, Jack Wills’ intention was to “bottle British university spirit”. In 2019, Jack Wills was purchased by Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct (now Frasers Group) in a pre-pack administration deal for £12.8m. After the deal, a number of underperforming UK stores were closed, with Ashley set to review the brand’s international strategy. The retailer has been attempting to improve its omnichannel offering including in-store ordering services.
Struggling fashion brand Jack Wills, owned by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, is set to shutter more stores.
Sports Direct has posted a jump in half-year profits and insisted the shock tax bill it received from Belgian authorities in the summer “will not lead to material liabilities”.
In the unpredictable world of retail, chief executives and Be Inspired ambassadors Liz Evans, Suzanne Harlow and Jill Ross explain why resilience is the best tool in your belt.
Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has sacked Jack Wills boss Suzanne Harlow, just weeks after buying the retailer out of administration.
Sports Direct has shuttered eight Jack Wills stores after acquiring the preppy brand earlier this month.
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