Truworths+Overview

Truworths is one of South Africa's leading fashion retailers, with over 650 stores in South Africa and 40 in the rest of Africa. The origins of Truworths date back to the founding of the Alliance Trading Company in Cape Town in 1917. The business changed its name to Truworths Fashion House in 1935, listed on the JSE (JSE:JSE) in 1946, and embarked on an expansion that took it to 280 stores by the end of the 1970s.

In 1981 Truworths merged with Woolworths to form the Wooltru (JSE:WLO) Group. This led to a period of positive growth, including the launches of Daniel Hechter, LTD, Identity and Truworths Man.Truworths was partially unbundled from Wooltru and relisted in 1998. Wooltru divested of all of its Truworths shares in 2002. The group bought 75% of Young Designers Emporium (YDE) in 2003, and acquired the remaining 25% in 2005. It took a controlling share in Uzzi in 2006, and took over 100% two years later.

Truworths forms part of Truworths International, an investment holding company listed on the JSE, whose companies are engaged in the retailing of fashion apparel and accessories. The Truworths International Retail Group incorporates Identity, YDE and Uzzi.

Truworths offers a collection of leisure wear, formal wear, evening wear, lingerie, shoes and accessories designed for the modern fashion-aware woman. Truworths Womenswear offers a wide range of brands. Daniel Hechter exclusive to Truworths, is a European-influenced collection of high quality, modern, timeless designs for men and women. This collection offers a refined feeling of style combined with a French touch, and the sophistication of classic European styling, superior tailoring and luxurious fabrics.

Inwear at Truworths offers a cutting-edge range of casual, formal and glamour fashion that demands to be noticed. Truworths Ltd offers an eclectic collection of easy yet sophisticated leisure time dressing for women, men, teenagers, children and toddlers. LTD is a versatile leisure-inspired range that has an urban look with classic undertones.

In keeping with this philosophy, LTD captures key international and local trends but always adds a twist. This means placing extra emphasis on colour, fabric, design and detail. Innovative and unusual styling makes LTD unique.

Truworths also offers a selection of fine quality jewellery, branded watches and sunglasses as well as a superb range of the best international skincare, colour cosmetics and fragrance brands for him and her

Truworths business model is driven by a philosophy that has been developed and refined over many years in pursuit of a unique approach to achieve sustainable growth in the complex and fast-moving retail fashion environment.

A major asset in this pursuit has been the strength of the Truworths brand, which represents an innovative, South African interpretation of fashion trends and attractive styling, competitive with the highest international standards, to youthful, fashionable consumers