Scotch & Soda
TypePrivate
IndustryDesign, distribution and sales of clothing and accessories
Founded1985 (1985)
FounderLaurent Hompes
Defunct2023 (2023) (Dutch chain)[1][2]
FateBought out
HeadquartersAmsterdam and Hoofddorp, Netherlands
Area served
Europe, Oceania, North America, Asia, Middle East, Africa
Key people
Frederick Lukoff (CEO)
ProductsApparel and accessories
Owner
  • Independent (1987–2011)
  • Kellwood (2011–23)
  • Sun Capital Partners (2011–23)
  • Bluestar Alliance (2023–present)
Websitescotch-soda.com

Scotch and Soda is a Dutch fashion retail company founded in 1985 by Laurent Hompes. On May 11, 2023, brand management firm Bluestar Alliance completed the acquisition of the company.[3]

History

Origins

Scotch & Soda store in DUMBO, Brooklyn
Scotch & Soda, Alkmaar, Netherlands

Founded as a menswear label in the 1980s, Scotch & Soda was an international brand when it was sold in 2011 to Kellwood and Sun Capital. The company was sold in over 7,000 shops worldwide, but there were also 30 company-owned and franchised retail stores.[4]

Worldwide expansion of Scotch & Soda stores

In January 2020, four months after Frederick Lukoff was named CEO,[5] the company launched sunglasses and eye glasses ranges for men and women. Until then sold in 8,000 stores and 250 branded stores,[6] it announced the launch of its third perfume, Island Water, in May of the same year.[7]

On March 16, 2021, Scotch & Soda announced the acceleration of its global expansion, with the opening of 15 brick-and-mortar stores and 12 shop-in-shops over the next six months. In addition, the company announced the launch of its new brand identity, Free Spirit.

In shops, its new brand identity was translated into the colors white, charcoal and tan with some yellow, pink, and burgundy accents. In turn, it has also been translated into the use of the following materials: aged brass, textured tiles, marble, and powder-coated steel. Aspects like LED lights and FSC wood herringbone flooring expressed commitment to sustainability.[8]

After opening 16 new stores between October 2021 and April 2022, the company planned at the time to open 20 more stores in the next six months - including flagship stores in London and Milan. Seven other shops were planned in major cities outside Europe.[9]

In June 2022, Scotch & Soda opened its flagship store on the Via Alessandro Manzoni in Milan. At the time, the company planned to open another nine stores in shops in the high end retail chain La Rinascente.[10]

In 2023, Joe Jonas became the brand's first-ever ambassador. He was appointed to lead in designing a new collection capsule to be launched in Fall 2024[11]

Bankruptcy

A week before the Bluestar Alliance agreed to acquire it for an undisclosed sum,[12] Scotch & Soda filed for bankruptcy on March 20, 2023.[13][14] Owner of Bebe Stores, Hurley International, Justice and Brookstone, the brand management firm completed the purchase of the Dutch company in May of the same year.

References

  1. ↑ "Nederlandse tak van kledingketen Scotch & Soda is failliet". March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Fashion retailer Scotch & Soda seeks bankruptcy for Dutch operations". Reuters. March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Bluestar Alliance Acquires Scotch & Soda USA Assets and Appoints Fashion Veteran Anthony Lucia To Oversee the Global Business". PR Newswire. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  4. ↑ Volkmann, Kelsey (2011-07-27). "Kellwood, Sun Capital to buy Scotch & Soda". Archived from the original on 2013-11-25. Retrieved 2013-11-25. ...has expanded to include a women's collection called Maison Scotch, a boy's collection named Scotch Shrunk, a girl's collection called Scotch R'Belle and a denim collection called Amsterdams Blauw.
  5. ↑ "WWD.com - Scotch & Soda Names Frederick Lukoff Chief Executive Officer". 2019-06-19.
  6. ↑ "Drapersonline.com - Scotch & Soda Launches Eyewear Line". 2020-01-28.
  7. ↑ "Numeromag.nl - Scotch & Soda Launches ISLAND WATER fragrance". 2020-05-26.
  8. ↑ "WWD.com - Scotch & Soda Sets Punchy Retail Rollout Plan, Retools Logo". 2021-06-16.
  9. ↑ Van Rompaey, Stefan (April 7, 2022). "Scotch & Soda zet wereldverovering verder" [Scotch & Soda continues to conquer the world]. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  10. ↑ Neerman, Pauline (June 22, 2022). "In beeld: Scotch & Soda maakt ambitieus statement in Milaan" [In focus: Scotch & Soda makes ambitious statement in Milan]. Retrieved April 2, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Joe Jonas Announced As First-Ever Brand Ambassador For Scotch & Soda". V Magazine. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  12. ↑ Sterling, Toby (2023-03-27). "U.S. brand management firm Bluestar Alliance buys Scotch & Soda label". Reuters.
  13. ↑ "Fashion retailer Scotch & Soda seeks bankruptcy for Dutch operations". Reuters. March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Nederlandse tak van kledingketen Scotch & Soda is failliet". March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
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