Costes
Costes is a Dutch women's fashion retail chain set up by Herman Franzen, founder of The Sting, with its first boutique opening in Utrecht in 2013. It sells collections for the modern, style-conscious woman through stores in the Netherlands and Belgium and online.
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Herman Franzen |
| Sister chain | The Sting |
| Markets | Netherlands, Belgium |
| Dutch stores | 37 |
| Website | costesfashion.com |
What is Costes?
Costes is a women's fashion brand and store chain from the Netherlands. It is a sister chain of The Sting and targets what the company calls the modern, style-conscious woman.
History
Costes began as a brand of The Sting. It was set up by Herman Franzen, who also founded The Sting, and who gave ten employees free rein to build a new, independent fashion company. The first boutique opened in Utrecht in the summer of 2013, and by the end of that year the chain had ten stores and its own webshop.
Products and positioning
At launch Costes organised its offer into four collections designed to cover every occasion:
- City Chic
- Rebel Luxe
- Uptown Glam
- Casual Mix
Distribution
The chain operates 37 stores in the Netherlands and has expanded into Belgium, with stores in Antwerp, Ghent and Hasselt, including a 1,200 square metre flagship on the Meir in Antwerp. It also sells through its own e-commerce site.
Why it matters
Costes shows how a Dutch retail group used a spin-off concept to address a distinct womenswear customer and then grow it across the Benelux.
Frequently asked questions
Is Costes part of The Sting?
Costes started as a brand of The Sting and is described as its sister chain; it was set up by The Sting founder Herman Franzen.
Where are Costes stores?
Costes has 37 stores in the Netherlands and stores in Belgium in Antwerp, Ghent and Hasselt.