Esprit Holdings

Esprit Holdings Limited is a publicly traded retail company that has made a significant mark in the fashion industry. Incorporated in Bermuda, the company has established a strong global presence with headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong, and major locations in Ratingen, Germany; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and New York City, USA. The company was founded in 1968 in San Francisco, California, by Susie and Doug Tompkins, who also co-founded The North Face. Esprit began as a clothing line sold out of a VW bus, with the Tompkins' apartment serving as the brand’s initial headquarters. In the early years, Esprit was known for its innovative and creative approach to fashion, which included the iconic "Real People Campaign" photographed by Oliviero Toscani. Esprit Holdings offers a diverse range of products under the Esprit label, including women's clothing, men's clothing, accessories, shoes, bodywear, kids wear, glasses, fragrance, and more. The company's revenue in 2022 was reported to be 7,064 million HKD. With approximately 2,230 employees worldwide, Esprit continues to be a significant player in the retail and fashion industry. Throughout its history, Esprit has seen periods of rapid financial growth, particularly in markets outside the United States. However, the company also faced challenges, especially after the financial crisis in 2008 and during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of all stores in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Macau. In recent years, Esprit has been working on a brand comeback. William Pak was appointed as Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer in September 2021 and became the interim CEO in October 2021. He was named the permanent CEO of Esprit in March 2022, marking a new chapter for the company. Esprit operates in more than 30 markets across Europe, Asia, and America. It has partner stores in Southeast Asia and Latin America, with 160 retail stores and approximately 400 franchise stores in Europe. The brand also has pop-up stores in the United States, located in Los Angeles and New York. The company's commitment to sustainability and circularity is evident in its efforts to create fashion that is not only stylish and of high quality but also environmentally responsible. Esprit's journey from a small clothing line to a global brand is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability in the ever-changing world of fashion.