The White Company (retailer)


The White Company is a retailer of linens, home decor, dinnerware, and furniture based in England. It has over 50 stores. It was founded by Chrissie Rucker in 1994. Mary Homer left Topshop in March 2017 to head the company.
The retailer sells mostly neutral coloured products, such as home décor, linen, furniture and clothing. The White Company started selling online in the U.S. in 2014 and in 2017 opened a store on 5th Avenue in New York City's Flatiron neighbourhood and one in Short Hills, New Jersey.

History

The White Company was established in 1994 as a mail order business selling items through a 12-page catalogue which has grown into a multi-channel, international business. Started up with a small government grant and £6,000 inheritance, it originally had a 500 people mailing list. Chrissie Rucker managed to gather some editorial coverage and press releases which led to it making £80,000 in the first year, just breaking even.
Originally encompassing products including sheets, covers and pillows, it later expanded into home décor, dinnerware, fragrances, candles, furniture and clothing. A children’s division called 'The Little White Company' was also added.
Its first physical store opened in 2000 on Symons Street in London.
As of August 2018, The White Company has 59 stores. The company employs approximately 1,000 people, and in the period ending 25 March 2017 reported an operating profit of $24million.
International sales witnessed a faster growth with sales rising 11.3 percent year-on-year to $14 million compared to a 7.2 percent growth reported in the UK at $258 million.
In 2017, the company's products were chosen to outfit the business and first class of British Airways' planes.