Forever Fashion And Equestrian Style: Holland Cooper Is Beautifully Tailored And British-Made

11 months ago

Holland Cooper is a Great British Brand 2024

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Forever Fashion And Equestrian Style: Holland Cooper Is Beautifully Tailored And British-Made

Holland Cooper is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book.

Holland Cooper: Great British Brand 2024

‘I can scarcely believe how far Holland Cooper has come since I started it in 2008. I’d been going to circuit events for years, but had never found anything flattering or youthful to wear so it struck me that there was a huge gap in the market waiting to be filled. I booked a two-metre stand at the Badminton Horse Trials, had 20 or so tweed miniskirts made and watched as they quickly sold out.

Over the past five years, growth has been exponential – even during the pandemic we grew by more than 100 percent. We also went ahead with the planned opening of our flagship store, in 2021. Since then we have introduced more new departments, including homeware, childrenswear and menswear, and sales in the US have grown by 73 percent in the last year alone.

I don’t think we’d be where we are today had we not made the best use of technology from the beginning. Our online presence in every respect, from social media and e-commerce to handling feedback and delivery, is first class. It has to be with a premium business like ours.

Technology, in the form of digital media coverage, also means that celebrity or royal endorsements reach the public immediately. Any photograph of the Princess of Wales wearing Holland Cooper has an instant impact. Online sales soar, and footfall in our stores often increases.

I want the Holland Cooper brand to be a world leader, and I will utilise every tool available to ensure that happens. In time, this might include avatar technology that will enable customers to try on outfits virtually. It’s about giving customers the best experience. The future is here even as we speak.’

Jade Holland Cooper, founder and Managing Director

Five Proudest Moments

Bicester Village is one of the most important destinations for international customers. The opening of our store there in 2017 was an integral part of our global expansion.
In 2021, Kate Middleton, then Duchess of Cambridge, was photographed wearing our trench coat – the first time she was pictured in our clothing. It was absolutely monumental.
We opened our flagship store in the Cotswolds in 2021. We hoped it would provide our visitors with a magical shopping experience. I know we’ve achieved that and more.
To celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, we launched our Platinum Jubilee Collection – a special, limited-edition capsule collection that showcased our signature British-made tailoring.
Holland Cooper is growing well. In the past few years, we’ve launched several new ranges, including menswear in 2023, which was a significant milestone.

What I’ve Learnt…

Don’t be shy to ask for advice or help. The worst that can happen is that people will say no.
Understand your customers. I read all feedback, still do the events circuit, and am in my boutique every day.
Be loyal to your suppliers and staff. Reward them well so they’ll pull rabbits out of hats when necessary.