Fat Face
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| Type | Clothing |
|---|---|
| Products | Apparel Footwear Accessories |
| Revenue |  126.4 million GBP(2008) |
| Website | FatFace.com |
Fat Face is a chain of clothing retailers selling its own branded products. The company has over 190 stores in the United Kingdom,[1] with international stores in Singapore, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Ireland, France, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.[2] The chain sells clothes aimed at men, women and children interested in active lifestyles. The company motto is "Life Is Out There". While originally marketed as active outdoor clothing, it is also increasingly a fashion brand.
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[edit] History
The company was founded in 1988 by Jules Leaver and Tim Slade, opening a store in Méribel, a ski resort in the French Alps. Leaver and Slade were skiers, but had run out of money. The idea for the clothing range was originally Slade's. They sold belongings, including a Volkswagen camper van, and purchased plain t-shirts with the proceeds on which to print logos. The idea of "better a bad day on the water than a good day in the office" came from this, and with growing interest and rapport with British tourists, they decided to do business in the UK. Between 1992 and 1993, the Fulham store was opened. The name 'Fat Face' was inspired by Le Face, an Olympic black run in Val d'Isère.[3] When the company's 3 level flagship store opened in Exeter's Princesshay quarter, on 25 September 2007, turnover exceeded £110 million.
Although growth was initially slow, operations grew over time and the company now owns over 150 stores worldwide. The original Fulham store closed in 2006.
In 2007, Fat Face trialled selling its clothing in John Lewis department stores. This was successful and has since been expanded. A number of licensed products made by external companies have been introduced, such as watches and sunglasses.[4]
As of January 2010, the current chairman is Alan Giles.[5]
[edit] Events
The 'Night Series' sporting events are a series of 7 events held by Fat Face across the United Kingdom. These include the Night Surf in Newquay, the Night Sail in Plymouth, the Night Jump at Thorpe Lakes, the Night Air in Gloucester and the Night Windsurf at Hayling Island. ...
[edit] Acquisitions and investments
Fat Face was bought by Advent International, who also own New Look retail stores in the UK, for £100m in 2005. Although Leaver and Slade are stakeholders, they no longer hold majority shares in the company.
Bridgepoint Capital, a British Investor, reportedly bought Advent in March 2007 for £360m.[citation needed] Bridgepoint promised Fat Face employees and customers that the Fat Face brand will not change but expand, opening more shops worldwide.[citation needed]
Fat Face clothing is known for providing slightly generous sizing compared to other high street stores.
[edit] References
- ^ Stores Fat Face website
- ^ International Fat Face website
- ^ The name 'Fat Face' is also said to come from one of the founders, who said 'fat' in his eyes meant 'good'. The Fat Face Story Fat Face website
- ^ Trading Update Highlights Fat Face website
- ^ James Hall (January 22, 2010). "Asda clothing boss Anthony Thompson defects to Fat Face". The Daily Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/7046742/Asda-clothing-boss-Anthony-Thompson-defects-to-Fat-Face.html. Retrieved January 22, 2010.("Alan Giles, Fat Face's chairman and the former chief executive of HMV Group...")
