Corporate History – Dorothy Perkins Timeline
1909
The company was first incorporated as H.P Newman Limited. It first started selling ladies hosiery and innerwear.
1919
The company changed its trading name to ‘Dorothy Perkins’. The name is taken from a type of rose and was suggested by the wife of one of the company directors. Dorothy Perkins boutique was operating out of 12 shops.
In this time, Dorothy Perkins managed to establish themselves as a budget-friendly clothing brand by selling their blouses for 25 pence (five shilling at that time) each.
1939
The company now had 75 shops, another name change this time to ‘Dorothy Perkins Limited’. With the growing influence of Hollywood, the store started incorporating glamorous floor-length dresses inspired by the starlets of the time.
1966
This year saw the opening of the 250th Dorothy Perkins shop. Cash registers were also introduced into all stores. The staff also saw expansion. At this time, Dorothy Perkins City Stores started catering to teenagers.
1977
Dorothy Perkins opened its first store on Oxford Street, London. Previously their brick-and-mortar stores were limited to Kensington High Street.
1979
Now standing at 242 stores Dorothy Perkins shops were taken over by The Burton Group.
1987
The ‘Secrets’ lingerie, tights and nightwear range was launched.
1988
Dorothy Perkins introduced its own Account Card offering easier payments and incentives.
1993
The Dorothy Perkins ‘Maternity’ range was launched into selected stores.
1994
Helena Christensen was chosen as the face of Dorothy Perkins and a massive, no costs-barred advertising campaign was launched nationwide.
1997
Yasmin Le Bon became the new Celebrity face of Dorothy Perkins.
1998
Burton Group Plc became Arcadia Group Plc. The ‘petite’ range was introduced aimed at women under 5ft 3in and in sizes 6-18. Now there are also beauty products available.
1999
The Dorothy Perkins online shopping facility was launched at www.dorothyperkins.com, making the brand even more accessible.
2001
A ‘tall’ range was launched for women 5ft 8in and over. There are also ranges introduced by the fashion retailer for menswear and children.
2002
Philip Green, owner of Bhs purchased the Arcadia Group Plc. A turning point in the companies history.
2003
The Dorothy Perkins 15,000ft flagship store of the parent company opened on London’s Oxford Street (at Bond Street tube station). There are also outlets in Kensington Street, Leeds, etc.
2007
Today Dorothy Perkins has over 600 stores in the United Kingdom and 52 international outlets and branches in countries including Malaysia, Spain, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Turkey, and Singapore. It now produces clothing for multinational women.
Dorothy Perkins – Fashion Fast Forward (The Modern Dorothy Perkins Timeline)
2012
Kim, Khole and Kourtney Kardashian chosen as the new face of Dorothy Perkins. It also has difficulty competing with rival group River Island Clothing Company Ltd.
2021
At this point in the Dorothy Perkins timeline, the parent business Arcadia has made an attempt to cut down the staff due. This is to get financial incentives during the Covid period. Other retail companies under Arcadia like Topshop, have also laid off staff.
Browse the Dorothy Perkins Collection for more knowledge of company.
FAQs about the Dorothy Perkins timeline
What is the Dorothy Perkins brand ranking?
In Britain, the Dorothy Perkins stores for women are ranked 31st in terms of popularity, and 8th in terms of fame.
Is Dorothy Perkins a real person?
The brand Dorothy Perkins is named after the type of rose, and not a person. However, the rose was named after Charles H. Perkins’, a prominent rose-grower’s granddaughter. So in a roundabout way, this famous clothes company is named after her.
When did Dorothy Perkins open?
The first Dorothy Perkins store opened in 1909.