James Holder (businessman)

James Holder is a British businessman who co-founded the fashion brand Superdry.

James Holder
Born
James Michael Holder

December 1971
Studley, Warwickshire, England
OccupationBusinessman
Known forCo-founder of Superdry Founder of Jack1t (Liquidated) and Trench London (Inactive).

Early life

Born in Studley, Warwickshire, he was brought up in Stratford-upon-Avon and went to college in Leamington Spa where he studied graphic design.[1][2] As a teenager, he enjoyed reading comics.[2]

Holder started his career in fashion by selling T-shirts from the back of his mother's car at BMX events.[1] He went on to found the skateboarder label Bench.[1] He was made bankrupt in 1998.[1] While running Bench, Holder met Julian Dunkerton, who made a large order of Holder's products.[2] They later travelled to Japan together before founding Superdry.[3]

Career

In 2003, Holder co-founded Superdry with Julian Dunkerton as a market stall in Cheltenham.[4] In 2004, they opened the brand's first physical store in Covent Garden, London.[5][4] Holder was responsible for clothing design and brand development at the company.[6]

Holder said that he and Dunkerton spotted a "huge gap" in the UK men's market.[7] He has said that the initial inspiration for the brand was Dunkerton's love of Americana and his love of Japan and typography.[7][2]

In 2005, Superdry experienced a period of growth after David Beckham was seen wearing the brand.[1]

In 2010, the business was floated.[5] Holder led Superdry's product innovation division until 2016.[8] Holder also led SuperDesignLab, which was responsible for launching spin-off brand Superdry Sport.[9]

In 2016, Holder resigned from the company, but continues to hold a stake.[5][6]

In 2018, Holder joined fellow co-founder Julian Dunkerton in criticising Superdry's business strategy, claiming that it was unable to compete with ASOS.com.[5][8][10][11]

In 2019, Holder founded JACK1T and Trench London. Both went into Administration in Spring 2021.

Personal life

He lives with his wife Charlotte, a lawyer, and their son and daughter.[1][12]

References
  1. Strachan, Ian (26 January 2017). "Rich List 2017: No.27 – James Holder". birminghampost. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  2. "James Holder on creating fashion brand Superdry – DesignCurial". www.designcurial.com. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  3. Anthonymcgrath405 (15 May 2014). "The Superguy from Superdry, James Holder – Textual Conversation". CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  4. Martin, Katie; Hodgson, Camilla (27 March 2018). "Co-founder of Superdry fashion chain steps down". Financial Times. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  5. Hipwell, Deirdre (23 October 2018). "Second co-founder pours scorn on Superdry strategy". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  6. "Resignation: Superdry co-founder James Holder steps down as brand and design director". sportswear-international.com. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  7. "The guy behind Superdry". Esquire Middle East. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  8. Brown, 23 October 2018By Harriet. "Superdry co-founder weighs in on strategy debate". Drapers. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  9. "Q&A with James Holder, Superdry Head of SuperDesign Lab and Co-Founder". UK Fashion B2B Magazine. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  10. "James Holder Asos Boohoo.com defend Cheltenham-based Julian Dunkerton Superdry warning Times". www.punchline-gloucester.com. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  11. "Second Superdry co-founder speaks out against the company's strategy". The Industry. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2019.
  12. "Holder Design Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
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