| Jack Wills | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Type | Private, owned by Jack Wills Ltd. |
| Founded | Salcombe, England |
| Headquarters | Salcombe, England |
| Industry | Retail |
| Products | Clothing and accessories |
| Website | www.jackwills.com |
Jack Wills is a British clothing and accessories retailer particularly aimed at 18 to 22 year old British university and public school students. It is regarded as the UK version of Abercrombie and Fitch. The brand describes itself as a "university outfitter," though it is not officially associated with any university. There are currently 23 Jack Wills stores with several scheduled to open in the near future. The brand only sells through their stores in selected areas of the UK and on-line through their website [1]. Branches tend to be located in up-market locations or near older universities. Current branches are located in Aldeburgh,Bath, Brighton, Bristol, Cheltenham, Cambridge, King's Road in Chelsea, London, Clapham, Covent Garden in Westminster, London, Cowes, Durham, Exeter, Guildford, Nottingham, Notting Hill, Oxford, Richmond, Salcombe, St Andrews, Whitstable, Edinburgh, York, Harrogate and Marlow. There are two outlet stores one at Gunwharf Keys Shopping Centre in Portsmouth and the other at Bicester Village near Oxford. The brand started in Salcombe and claims to be the epitome of British preppy cool inspired by vintage sportswear, beachwear and classic public school style[2]. To market their brand to students Jack Wills organise Jack Wills Parties across the UK near to their branches and target audience. Other marketing includes associations with the Stella Artois Queens Tennis Tournament in London (clothing players/stewards and providing the After-Party) and a presence in Val d'Isère and Meribel in the French Alps through Seasonnaires, as well as the annual Jack Wills Varsity Polo at Guards Polo Club in Windsor with Oxford vs Cambridge and Harrow vs Eton. In some circles, especially at certain Universities such as Durham University and Exeter University Jack Wills has a negative aspect as it is associated with "Rahs". Jack Wills is the name of the current owner's grand father. The brand's biggest store yet recently opened in Cheltenham.
