History
Jack Wills was founded in 1999 by Peter Williams and Robert Shaw, the former who named the company after his grandfather, Jack Williams. The original store was in Salcombe, Devon located at 22 Fore Street. This original address is often written into the brand's handbook, clothing labels and in-store signs. In 2008 the Aubin & Wills brand was launched, designed to appeal to older customers. It was withdrawn in 2012.
The brands incorporates aspects of traditional British military and sporting design in its products, and uses a navy blue and pink colour scheme for its packaging and some of its products. The company often houses its stores in historical buildings, such as old pubs or town houses .
The majority of its stores are in the UK, however there are two branches in Ireland, in Kildare and Dublin. In May and July 2010, Jack Wills opened American stores in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Boston. There are now thirteen stores in the US. Despite this expansion, CEO Peter Williams stated the brand will remain "British, British, British". In recent years, Jack Wills has begun to open stores outside of the UK, with a franchise store in Jersey, three stores in Hong Kong, two stores in Dubai, one in Kuwait and one in Lebanon.
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