• Linkdin

UK brand ME+EM raises £55 million for global expansion

24 Mar '22
3 min read
Pic: ME+EM
Pic: ME+EM

ME+EM, UK’s direct-to-consumer luxury fashion brand, has raised £55 million from investors led by Highland Europe as it looks to bring its intelligent style to more international customers. Having seen triple digit revenue growth globally, the brand will accelerate expansion in the US, followed by continental Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

“From day one we’ve been passionate about democratising luxury for busy women of all ages who want to wear beautifully tailored clothes, made with care and attention to detail, that fit perfectly,” said founder and CEO Clare Hornby. “Having seen soaring demand for our clothes in the US and other key international markets, we know that there is a global appetite for the cut, quality, and style that we have created. As a digital first, data-driven business we are seeing a huge opportunity ahead of us and with Highland Europe’s expertise in this area, we can use technology to delight and serve our customers across the world even more effectively.”

Loyalty and brand satisfaction has seen ME+EM achieve triple digit growth in revenues in 2021, compared to circa 20 per cent growth across the whole online fashion sector. Over three years, the brand has quadrupled its revenues and is seeing soaring demand from higher-spending American customers. The US is ME+EM’s fastest growing geography, with triple digit revenue growth.

Demand from US shoppers has created an opportunity to open new stores in New York and Boston. ME+EM is also accelerating expansion in Australia, the Middle East, Canada, Switzerland, and Hong Kong, where it also has a fast-growing customer base, the company said in a press release.

More than half of the SS21 collection was made from natural or recycled materials. Its trims, fabrics, samples, and write-off stock are donated to art schools, colleges and charities such as SmartWorks and NEWLIFE. In this way, ME+EM works towards a zero landfill policy.

“ME+EM’s relentless focus on quality, fit and sustainability has inspired an incredibly loyal customer base and has generated impressive growth over the past several years. In addition to the success in the UK we are impressed by the strong demand coming from international customers, a testament to the brand’s global relevance and appeal. Clare is a fantastic leader and we are thrilled to partner with her and the ME+EM team,” Sam Brooks, partner at Highland Europe, said.

Highland Europe will join existing investors including Sir Charles Dunstone CVO, the executive chairman of TalkTalk, and Venrex Investment Management, which was an early backer of British fintech and decacorn Revolut, makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury, Not on the High Street and fashion shopping app Lyst.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)

Leave your Comments

Esteemed Clients

Woolmark Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Weitmann & Konrad GmbH & Co. KG
VNU Exhibitions Asia
USTER
UBM China (Shanghai)
Tuyap Tum Fuarcilik Yapim A.S.
TÜYAP IHTISAS FUARLARI A.S.
Tradewind International Servicing
Thermore (Far East) Ltd.
The LYCRA Company Singapore  Pte. Ltd
Thai Trade Center
Thai Acrylic Fibre Company Limited
X
Advanced Search