LONDON, 2014-9-2 — /EPR Retail News/ — This month Sainsbury’s is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of its clothing brand “Tu” which has fast become the 7th most popular clothing range in the UK. Selling as many as four pieces a second, Tu is now renowned for its contemporary, quality clothing at great value prices – helping shoppers to “live their style”.
As part of the celebrations, Sainsburys is unveiling its 10th Anniversary Collection. It’s the biggest collection to date designed by the retailers 30 strong in house design team which has quadrupled over the past ten years. Featuring on-trend statement pieces through to classic wardrobe staples, the 10th Anniversary Collection of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear clothing offers contemporary, accessible and affordable everyday style solutions.
The womenswear range takes lead from this season’s catwalk trends, featuring folk inspired pieces, bold autumn brights and prints, alongside 1960s silhouettes such as the A-line skirt and tunic. The menswear range mixes tailored pieces such as the velvet collar coat and pinstripe suit, with stylish autumn essentials such as Fair Isle jumpers, tweed blazers and parka coats. The childrenswear collection provides children with everything they need to see the autumn season through, with pretty pinafore dresses and playful prints along with a great selection of outerwear.
Coats will be available from £40; handbags from £16, knitwear from £16. The collection also includes an on-trend leather-look midi skirt priced £22 and black knee-high boots for £30.
To celebrate and promote design talent, which is at the heart of Tu’s success, Sainsbury’s has collaborated with The Royal College Art. The 10Anniversary Collection includes the first of four collections of ten items designed by masters students from the Royal College of Art which will go on sale in 35 stores across the UK from late autumn.
Core 10th Anniversary Collection products will be available in over 400 stores across the UK from 7 September.
The Christmas collection which is also unveiled today brings to life a winter wonderland, with tones of icy blue and white, alongside kitsch Yuletide reds and greens. The womenswear collection heroes eveningwear in a sophisticated and elegant way, with graphic prints, layered lace and contemporary cuts. Menswear focuses on luxurious outerwear and adds a touch of fun with the classic festive jumper, featuring vintage Christmas motifs and Fairisle patterns. The childrenswear range provides trendy tots with everything they need to keep cosy this winter, with lumberjack shirting, fluffy jumpers and cool character and Christmas themed hats.
Tu milestones
- 2004 launched Tu clothing in 160 stores
- 2007 began selling Fairtrade T-shirts – Sainsbury’s is the UK’s biggest Fairtrade retailer
- 2009 launched basics range of essential clothing items
- 2011 James Brown appointed Sainsbury’s Clothing Director
- 2011 launched the first Gok for Tu range
- 2012 started using Better Cotton Initiative cotton – target to use 100% BCI cotton by 2020
- 2012 launched Secret Support Jeans from Tu
- 2012 launched own label Back Smoothing Bra
- 2012 trialled new department store format – now in 118 stores
- 2013 re-launched Tu with a more contemporary, look and feel and “Live Your Style” strapline
- 2014 signed a new two-year deal with Gok Wan
- 2014 online pilot began
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