COTTON ON

About

The story of Cotton On Group is a classic tale of entrepreneurial spirit and quintessential Australian grit. It all began not in a boardroom, but from the boot of a Ford Bronco at the Beckley Market in Geelong, Australia, in 1988. A young Nigel Austin, with a background in the apparel industry, started selling a stack of denim jackets. The initial days were tough, with one market day passing without a single sale. However, undeterred by the slow start, Nigel's persistence paid off. This humble beginning was the spark that would ignite one of Australia's largest global fashion retailers. Three years later, in 1991, the very first Cotton On store opened its doors in Geelong. The vision was simple yet powerful: to offer on-trend, affordable basics that captured the effortless, relaxed, and authentic Aussie style. The brand quickly resonated with the local market, becoming a go-to destination for casual fashion. The mid-2000s marked a significant turning point for the company, signaling a period of ambitious expansion and diversification. In 2004, Cotton On Kids was launched, identifying a gap in the market for stylish and affordable children's wear. This was just the beginning of a brand explosion. The year 2007 was particularly transformative, with the launch of Cotton On Body, the establishment of the philanthropic arm, the Cotton On Foundation, and the acquisition of the youth fashion brand Factorie. The brand portfolio continued to grow with the addition of Rubi, a footwear and accessories brand, in 2008, and the acquisition of Supré in 2013. This rapid expansion wasn't just limited to new brands; it was also geographical. Starting with its first international store in New Zealand in 2006, the Cotton On Group has since expanded its presence to over 20 countries with more than 1,500 stores, truly taking the Aussie lifestyle to the world while staying true to its purpose of making a positive difference in people's lives.