Austin Reed & Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Distribution - retailing Mail order & catalogue retailing
  • Wearing apparel & footwear production Outerwear & underwear production
  • Distribution - retailing Wearing apparel, footwear, haberdashery, mercery, etc, retailing

Notes:

Traced origins to mid-19th century and the Reading businesses of Thomas and William Reed, hatters and hosiers respectively, known as Thomas Reed & Son from 1876 and as Sons from 1896. Established City of London branch in 1900, under Austin Reed's, 1873-1954, management, to capture City of London menswear market. It was soon followed by a second City branch in 1905. c1906 Reading business closed. Incorporated 1910 as Austin Reed Ltd. 1911 opened in Regent Street, which in 1920s was to become the firm's flagship 'department' store, and in 1913 opened first branch outside London, at Birmingham. Also doing mail order by 1913. Expanded rapidly as a high class retailer with eight shops by 1914, including some in provinces, and 31 by 1939. Floated 1920 with Reed family retaining control. Post 1945 diversified into factory manufacture, especially through acquisition of Charles Barrie Clothes in 1978. 1970 relocated head office to Thirsk, Yorkshire. Started to sell womenswear in 1979. Subsequently Austin Reed Group Plc. 2016 in administration and closed [2024]

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