Sustainable Brand Benchmark - Stonemanor

Stonemanor Limited is a private company that operates under the brand name Apricot. Founded in 2002, Stonemanor Limited has established itself as a significant player in the retail industry, particularly in the clothing and accessories sector. The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has expanded its reach to a global audience.

Apricot, the brand owned by Stonemanor Limited, is known for its playful prints and effortless glamour. The brand's design philosophy is rooted in making fashion accessible and providing beautifully constructed wardrobe staples alongside trend-led pieces. Apricot's collections are designed in London, drawing inspiration from global travel and cultures, which is evident in their signature prints.

The company trades as a multi-channel womenswear fashion brand, with a presence in both physical retail stores and online platforms. As of 2020/21, Stonemanor Limited reported an annual turnover of £26 million. The brand has a significant retail footprint with 15 standalone stores and over 300 concessions across the UK, housed in host stores such as New Look and Boundary Mills, as well as several independent retailers. Internationally, Apricot has expanded with over 600 concessions and stockists across Ireland, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg, the USA, and Canada.

Stonemanor Limited's head office in North London is the hub for various critical operations, including design and development, buying and merchandising, digital and marketing, IT and technical, ethical sourcing, logistics, and finance. The company's distribution center in Biggleswade is responsible for receiving, holding, and distributing products to stores, wholesale partners, and online customers.

The company is committed to ethical business practices and has a framework of policies that guide workplace and employment standards, as well as business conduct. These policies are derived from International Labour Organization conventions and are designed to protect worker rights and promote a safe and fair supply chain. Stonemanor Limited also ensures compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, reflecting its dedication to human rights and the dignity of all persons within its global supply chain.

Apricot's product range is 100% ""own label,"" including clothing and accessories sourced from approximately 30 suppliers across 70 factories. The top five countries from where Apricot sources its products are China, Vietnam, Romania, Morocco, and Italy, representing 95% of the brand's range.

In summary, Stonemanor Limited, through its Apricot brand, has carved out a niche in the fashion industry with its distinctive designs and ethical approach to business. The company's success is built on a foundation of creative design, global inspiration, and a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.