You’ll have heard that Topshop and French Connection have been revamped to take the British excessive avenue by storm, however they’re not the one ones. Jigsaw, which not too long ago introduced a sequence of contemporary management hires and acquired new funding, is present process a rejuvenation to reclaim its authority on the excessive avenue.
Backed by a £5 million funding and a wave of high-profile management appointments, the British womenswear label is getting into a brand new period. The funding, led by Carphone Warehouse co-founder David Ross, marks a major shift within the model’s trajectory, positioning Ross as the brand new majority shareholder and changing founder John Robinson, who established Jigsaw in 1970.
Like many excessive avenue staples, Jigsaw endured monetary pressure through the pandemic. In October, the corporate reported a pre-tax lack of £3.6 million for the 12 months ending January 2024, in comparison with a revenue of £816,000 the earlier yr. The corporate attributed the loss to advertising investments that did not repay. Nevertheless, gross sales elevated barely from £56 million to £57 million.
The enterprise is now present process a steadiness sheet reset and digital transformation. A part of the brand new capital can be directed towards modernising its on-line platform and strengthening its fulfilment capabilities, addressing the infrastructural wants of an omnichannel model.
It comes as CEO Hash Ladha prepares to step down after 15 months on the helm. Ladha, who succeeded Beth Butterwick in late 2023, is about to exit in July. Within the meantime, he’ll proceed working with the board to make sure a clean handover, as the corporate begins its seek for a brand new CEO.
Taking over a brand new management position is Tikki Godley, who was appointed Managing Director late final month. Godley brings over twenty years of expertise within the vogue trade, together with a tenure at Ted Baker and, most not too long ago, a seven-month stint as COO at By no means Absolutely Dressed. She is ready to steer Jigsaw by way of its subsequent part of development.
Godley is joined by Jordan Eaglestone, who will step into the position of Digital Director on 12 Could. Eadlestone was beforehand Head of E-Commerce & Advertising and marketing at Hawes & Curtis.
Additionally approaching board is Richard Grainger, who joins as Sourcing & Enterprise Growth Director with quick impact. He brings over 30 years of expertise and most not too long ago served as Joint Managing Director at River Island.
“It is a pivotal second for Jigsaw,” stated an organization spokesperson. “With contemporary funding, a revitalised management workforce, and a transparent strategic imaginative and prescient, we’re poised to construct on our heritage and drive the model ahead.”
Including inventive power to its enterprise reboot, Jigsaw has additionally launched Curated By – a capsule sequence imagined by vogue journalist Lisa Armstrong. Her SS25 edit options 12 elevated staples: suppose crisp white shirts, fluid night attire and wide-leg chinos, all crafted with Jigsaw’s signature concentrate on high quality and timeless design.
Armstrong, who has lengthy admired the model since her college days in Bristol, stated she was drawn to Jigsaw’s enduring dedication to “good materials and understated design that doesn’t date”.
The collaboration is already drawing consideration for its mix of practicality and polish, that are each hallmarks of the trendy Jigsaw girl.
