Monsoon Stores are a design-led retailer operating two highly successful chains - Monsoon and Accessorize.

History

Monsoon was founded in 1972 by Peter Simon following a period of selling shaggy woollen coats on the Portobello Road and hand block printed clothes from Rajasthan to anyone who would buy them. The original focus was always clothes with an ethnic origin from faraway places, including unusual dresses from Afghanistan and countries en route.

In May 1973, the first Monsoon shop opened in Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London. In 1984, Accessorize evolved as an exciting and a strongly differentiated High Street concept for fashion accessories in an adjoining shop to the Monsoon, Covent Garden Piazza branch.

In May 1999, Monsoon Home launched its first shop in Kings Road, London. The range incorporates the Monsoon look and philosophy creating an innovative and individual home accessories range.

In 2001, Monsoon Baby was launched as was Accessorize Angels.

2003 Monsoon Boy was launched with Monsoon Men following in the autumn of 2004.

Monsoon has expanded rapidly from its London base. Today there are over 400 Monsoon and Accessorize stores throughout the UK and Ireland. Globally, outlets are located in Australia, Brazil, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Gibraltar, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, the Middle East, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UAE.

In June 2001 the business moved to the “Monsoon Building” in Paddington bringing together the central functions for the first time in 8 years. The building, originally commissioned by British Rail, was designed by Paul Hamilton in 1969. Known as the “battleship”, it has been a familiar landmark to drivers on the Westway. Abandoned and empty since 1990, it has now been brought back to life and won the 2002 Building of the Year Award.

Fair Labeling

Although Monsoon use fair trade cotton in their new brands, according to Martin Hearson, a writer and fair labeling activist, the Monsoon Store chain's claim to this practice requires them to incorporate fair labeling practices throughout their entire chain of supply.

External links

• The Monsoon Stores website

Notes