Jack Wills
Jack Wills is a British chain of retail stores, founded in 1999,[1] that stock clothing and accessories aimed at young middle-middle and upper-middle class students. The Jack Wills brand is wholly owned by Hannah Donald Ltd which is a private UK limited company. The Jack Wills registered office and original store is located at 22 Fore Street, Salcombe, Devon. The chain currently has 29 stores, 5 of which are located in London.[2] The managing director of the chain is Peter Williams, whose grandfather, Jack Wills, gives the name to the company.[2]
Products
Jack Wills' Retail products can be viewed via a catalogue, either online or in a printed copy. They are named ‘handbooks’ and are released each season, named the Autumn Handbook, the Christmas Handbook, the Spring Handbook, the Summer Term Handbook and the Summer Holiday Handbook. Jack Wills’ clothes and accessories are marketed as classically ‘British’ in style, and inspired by traditional British heritage. A wide variety of products are sold including vintage sportswear, beachwear and leisure wear. Typical ranges in ladieswear include hoodies, shirts, polos, knitwear, skirts, blazers, underwear, jeans and outerwear, amongst others. Typical ranges in menswear include similar selections, but also feature rugby shirts and omit skirts. Accessories are also sold, including scarves, belts, gloves, hats, and ties. Scarves are more than often striped and mimic academic scarves, similar to those worn in the colleges of Oxbridge.
Stereotypes
Jack Wills’ ranges are similar to its competitor, American brand Abercrombie and Fitch. [3] It is known for its ‘public school’ (also called an independent school) and ‘preppy’ style as Jack Wills clothes may not be considered affordable to everyone. Jack Wills also has affiliations with polo, rugby, and also rowing as exemplified by a previous style from Jack Wills (J.W.W.R.C).
References
External links
- Official Jack Wills Web Site "Jack Wills", .
- "Sloane Summer Essentials", Times Online