| Type | A Wear |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fashion Clothing Textiles |
| Genre | Retail |
| Founded | 1970s |
| Headquarters | Dublin, Republic of Ireland |
| Area served | Ireland United Kingdom |
| Products | Women's retail fashion |
| Website | Official Website |
A|Wear is an Irish chain of clothing stores that operates in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and more recently in the United Kingdom.
Contents |
A|Wear (previously Gay Wear) launched on Irish high-streets in 1985 as part of the Galen Weston's successful retail empire. Gaywear had first opened in Limerick in 1966. Up until the mid-2000s the stores were operated by the Brown Thomas Group. In May 2007 a consortium lead by Alchemy Partners purchased the company for €70m from the Brown Thomas Group[1]. The new company continue to operate 25 stores in the Republic of Ireland, three in Northern Ireland and more recently five stores have opened in the United Kingdom[2]. On 17th October 2011 the company was purchased by Hilco Ireland.
Previous fashion designers who have designed for A|Wear include John Rocha and Quinn and Donnlley. Prior to 2000, A|Wear stores in Ireland also had a range of men's clothing. Today, stores primarily focus on female clothing and accessories.
A|Wear's spring/summer and fall/winter ranges are also available to purchase online on its website.