Matchesfashion.com is a luxury fashion retailer offering over 450 designer labels. Founded by Ruth and Tom Chapman as Matches in 1987, the business has transitioned from a bricks-and-mortar operation into a multichannel player that now generates more than 95% of its sales online. There are four Matchesfashion stores in London, including the high-profile concept space on Mayfair’s Carlos Place which opened towards the end of 2018. This formed an evolution of three key areas of the business: the global series of ‘In Residence’ events, the retail store and the private shopping townhouse. There is also a broadcasting hub in the space where the group delivers podcasts and live streaming. The retailer’s ultimate aim is to make the physical more digital and the digital more physical. This has seen it invest in store technology such as tablets that provide access to the full online range and mobile points of sale. Digital customers have access to a team of online stylists that are available 24/7.
Matchesfashion boss and former Amazon executive Ajay Kavan has exited the business with immediate effect after a year in the role.
In the latest story in our No Limits campaign, which aims to drive social mobility in retail, we explore if it is still possible to progress from stores to the top job
Sainsbury’s boss Simon Roberts has wasted little time stamping his mark on the business since he took over the reins from Mike Coupe in June.
It’s no great surprise to see Tom Athron assume his first chief executive position at Fortnum & Mason. If anything, the surprise is that it hasn’t happened sooner.
Matchesfashion has made two new additions to its leadership team in a bid to boost its online expertise.
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