Monsoon
Monsoon Accessorize · United Kingdom
Monsoon is a British womenswear brand founded in London in 1973 by market-stall trader Peter Simon. It forms the Monsoon Accessorize business together with Accessorize, and Simon has been reported as its owner after the company was bought out of administration in 2020.
| Founded | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Peter Simon |
| Parent business | Monsoon Accessorize |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Sister brand | Accessorize |
| Website | monsoon.co.uk |
What is Monsoon?
Monsoon is a British fashion retailer best known for womenswear, with children's clothing and accessories. It is one of two chains run by Monsoon Accessorize, the other being Accessorize.
History
Peter Simon, a market-stall trader, started Monsoon in London in 1973. The first shop opened in Beauchamp Place in May 1973. Accessorize followed in 1984, opening next door to Monsoon in Covent Garden. The company listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1998, and in 2007 Simon paid £185 million to take it private again.
The business entered administration on 10 June 2020 and was acquired out of administration by Simon, with the stated aim of protecting as many as 4,500 jobs in its supply chain. Sources differ on the exact date and structure of later ownership steps, so this profile avoids stating more than that Simon is reported as the owner.
Business model and distribution
Monsoon has traditionally relied on its own stores, with 181 stores in the UK and 19 in Italy reported in 2018. Some Irish stores were closed in 2020. Landlords agreed rent cuts at 135 stores in 2019, and the group has restructured its estate and joint Monsoon and Accessorize stores in the UK. Online sales and wholesale partners complement the store network.
Leadership
Peter Simon and Nick Stowe took on the chief executive role jointly in 2019, with Simon as chairman and Stowe as chief operating officer in the company's infobox. Current leadership for 2026 could not be verified.
Why it matters
Monsoon is a long-standing British high street name whose founder returned to take control during a restructuring, a pattern seen at several UK fashion retailers.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Monsoon?
Monsoon is part of Monsoon Accessorize, and founder Peter Simon has been reported as the owner since the business was bought out of administration in 2020. Exact later ownership details could not be verified.
Where is Monsoon from?
Monsoon is from the United Kingdom. Peter Simon started it in London in 1973 and the first shop opened in Beauchamp Place.