Ann Summers
United Kingdom
Ann Summers is a British retailer of lingerie, adult products and gifts, with a first shop opened in London in 1970. It has offices in Whyteleafe, Surrey, and runs stores on UK and Irish high streets as well as online.
| First shop | 1970, London |
|---|---|
| Founder | Michael Caborn-Waterfield |
| Acquired | 1971 by Ralph and David Gold |
| Headquarters | Whyteleafe, Surrey, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Lingerie, swimwear and hosiery |
| Website | annsummers.com |
What is Ann Summers?
Ann Summers Ltd is a UK retailer that describes itself as trusted since 1972 and the inventor of the Rabbit vibrator. Wikipedia gives 1970 as the year its first shop opened at Marble Arch in London, founded by Michael Caborn-Waterfield. Brothers Ralph and David Gold bought the company in 1971. It is registered in England and Wales with offices in Whyteleafe, Surrey. Wikipedia lists it as a private limited company without naming current owners, and mentions Jacqueline Gold, David Gold's daughter, as a former executive chair.
Products and positioning
The online store sells lingerie including bras, knickers, bodies and bridal lingerie, adult products from own and third-party brands, costumes, nightwear, clothing and gifts. It also owns the Knickerbox sub-brand for lingerie, nightwear, loungewear and swimwear. Orders are sent in plain packaging.
Business model and distribution
Wikipedia reports about 80 high street stores in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Channel Islands, and says the Party Plan sales concept ended in October 2025. The website offers an in-store bra fitting service, a store finder, free UK delivery above 50 pounds and buy now, pay later options, and its footer links to franchise and wholesale pages.
- First shop: 1970, Marble Arch, London
- Stores: about 80 per Wikipedia
- Party Plan: ended October 2025
Why it matters
Ann Summers is among the most recognised UK names in lingerie and adult products, and an example of a specialist retailer that moved from party plan selling into high street and online retail.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Ann Summers?
Michael Caborn-Waterfield founded Ann Summers, opening its first shop in London in 1970. Ralph and David Gold bought the company in 1971.
Where is Ann Summers based?
Ann Summers is a British company with offices in Whyteleafe, Surrey. It operates about 80 stores in the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, according to Wikipedia.