Monsoon Accessorize is a design-led retailer based in London operating two international retail clothing chains - Monsoon and Accessorize.

History[link]

Monsoon was founded in 1973 by Peter Simon following a period of selling shaggy woollen coats on the Portobello Road and hand block printed clothes from Rajasthan. The original focus was always clothes with an ethnic origin from faraway places, including unusual dresses from Afghanistan and countries en route. In the early 21st century this type of clothing chimed well with the fashion for boho chic and helped Monsoon to prosper during the recession of the late noughties^[1].

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.

The Battleship Building, former head office of Monsoon Accessorize in Paddington, London

Monsoon has expanded rapidly from its London base. Today there are over 400 Monsoon and Accessorize stores throughout the UK. The International side now has over 900 outlets in 60+ countries, including Austria, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Greece, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Israel, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UAE, and Ukraine.

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.

The business has since moved to a new purpose-built eco-friendly office 'The Yellow Building' located in Notting Dale Village ^[2] a stone's throw from where the company was first established by Peter Simon.

Accessorize[link]

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The first Accessorize store opened in London's Covent Garden Piazza in 1984 and the second in Carnaby Street in 1986. 1992 saw the first Accessorize store outside London with a store opening in Manchester. In the same year the first airport store was opened at Gatwick South terminal. Building on the company's initial success, a store opening programme began, averaging 16 new stores each year.

Today there are more than 240 Accessorize stores in the UK an international operation of over 1000 stores (including some Monsoon/Accessorize dual stores). Accessorize focuses on jewelry which is displayed in colour bays. Under the Staff uniform policy there is a 'Strive for five rule' in which employees are required to wear five or more pieces of accessorize jewelry as part of their uniform to promote the brand. Also included in their range are bags, purses, belts, hats, scarves, flip flops, gloves, hair accessories and cosmetics. Monsoon set up its first store in USA in Mar 2010 and they plan to run another 50 stores in China in the coming 3 years.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)[link]

Monsoon Accessorize Trust[link]

The company has its own charity the Monsoon Accessorize Trust, founded in 1994, to mark the company's 21st birthday. The focus of the charity is the support of disadvantaged women and children in Asia ^[3]. The charity is one of those supported by the Jodie Kidd Foundation, following her involvement with the trust ^[4].

Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)[link]

The company is a full member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). ^[5]

Fair Labelling[link]

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 labelling practices throughout their entire chain of supply.^[6]

Notes[link]

1. ^ Sunday Times Business, 21 March 2010
2. ^ http://www.ahmm.co.uk/projectDetails/39/Notting-Dale-Village, Notting Dale Village AHMM,Page Retrieved 07 July 2011.
3. ^ Get Involved : Corporate Partners :: Monsoon :: Oxfam GB, Oxfam, 2011. Page retrieved 18 April 2011.
4. ^ Overview, The Jodie Kidd Foundation 2010. Page retrieved 18 April 2011.
5. ^ Our Members|Ethical Trading Initiative, Ethical Trading Initiative, 2010. Page retrieved 18 April 2011.
6. ^ What Fairtrade cotton at Monsoon does - and doesn't - mean, Labour Behind the Label, July 2006. Page retrieved 12 November 2006.

External links[link]

• The Monsoon website
• The Accessorize website