Number of locations 38 Founder James Buckley Thorp | Genre Retail Founded 2011 | |
Industry FashionClothingApparel Area served United KingdomEuropeIrelandUnited StatesChina Products Clothing and Accessories | ||
Rupert and Buckley is a British clothing brand headquartered in Bath, Somerset. The brand creates British inspired clothing and is most notable for its varsity socks.
Contents
History
The company was founded in 2011 by James Buckley Thorp whilst at the University of Kent where he was reading Law. The company moved from Canterbury to Bath, Somerset.
Having previously sold items in other outlets, the company opened its first own shop in the form of a temporary pop-up shop in Bath. In November 2013 the fashion label launched its "Brand Ambassador Scheme".
In early 2014, 25% of the company was sold to private investor Nigel Robinson.
In July 2016, the company accessed a £2,500,000 trade investment. This was in order for the company to expand nationally and supply areas which include Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Jersey, Canterbury, Glasgow, York, Oxford, Leicester and Sidmouth.
On the 5th November 2016, Rupert and Buckley opened their new store in the city centre of Oxford. The opening was supported by rising BBC Introducing star Chris Smee.
Branding and Products
The brand name was a combination of the founder's surname and the name he'd like to call his first child. The company incorporated aspects of British heritage and sporting design in its products, and used a deep purple and dark yellow colour scheme for its packaging and some of its products. The fashion label described itself as 'ultra-preppy' and the image and style of the branding was for the preppy market.
Rupert and Buckley's clothing ranges included rugby shirts, blazers, T-shirts, shirts, chinos and socks. The company also sold wristbands and toiletries.