John Hargreaves (born in Liverpool) is the founder and chairman of the large UK out-of-town discount clothing and homeware chain Matalan. He went into the retail business when he was only 16, and opened the first Matalan store in Preston in 1985. Matalan now has 200 stores throughout the UK, employs over 16,000 people, and is one of the most successful retailers in the country.
Hargreaves has three children, Jason, Jamey, and Maxine; and three grandchildren. Hargreaves currently resides in Monaco with his partner.
John Hargreaves resigned as Chairman of Matalan on the 18th November 2007, less than a year after taking the company private.[1] His resignation marked the end of a 22 year era for Matalan.