A new chain of stores - COS
COS (Collection of Style) is a new fashion concept which combines the meticulous focus and attention to detail of ready-to-wear design with down to earth pricing; making aspiring fashion attainable to the mainstream. COS is a part of the H&M group and compliments rather than competes with H&M although founded on the same business concept – ‘fashion and quality at the best price’. The increased price level allows COS to deliver product with a high quality, which is appositely housed within design-led smaller-scale stores where customer service is key to COS’ shopping environment.
At COS fashion and longevity go hand-in-hand in a collection comprising fashion essentials, reinvented classics and the latest trends. COS offers stylish wardrobe perennials where the quality of finish, fabric and fit contend with ready-to-wear only at far more accessible prices.
COS was launched on March 16, 2007 in the UK flagship on Regent Street in London. COS stores have also opened in prime locations in selected cities in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark. COS currently has twelve stores today, with seven in Germany and a total of two stores planned to open during 2008 including Paris.
COS is predominantly created by an in-house design and buying team involving Michael Kristensen (Head of menswear design) and Rebekka Bay (Creative Director & Head of women’s wear design). COS does not have its own factories. Collections are produced by approximately 60 independent suppliers with 80% of production in Europe and 20% in Asia.
New items will appear in-store almost everyday so customers will always find something new and inspiring to wear. This precision flow of product is backed up by a tried and tested distribution system; logistics and IT are co-ordinated with H&M.
COS pays close attention to essential as well as trend-savvy items; be that the perfect shirt, tank top, suit or little black dress, and each with a slick design twist that lends garments a contemporary edge. Accessories, leisurewear and casual product such as chinos and denim all form part of the COS fold. Two-thirds of the collection is for women and one-third for men. Sizes range from 34-44 for women and for men: 46-54; casual S – XL and suiting 46-154.
The focus on quality - using natural fabrics such as leather, cashmere and brushed cotton – in the COS collection, is reiterated in the COS store aesthetic. Designed by noted architect, William Russell, whose retail pedigree includes shop design for Alexander McQueen and Margaret Howell. COS stores are both inviting and inspiring with the use of music and lighting adding to the ambience. The seating areas and books to leaf through add a pleasant, relaxed vibe that conveys a feeling of exclusivity. The average stores are approximately 450 square meters in size.
COS, as part of the H&M group, benefits from H&M’s financial strength and retailing experience.
As part of the international H&M group, COS also adopts H&M’s strong ethical values. COS suppliers follow H&M’s code of conduct which was drawn up in 1997 based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ILO’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. COS does not sell real fur and only uses leather derived from animals that have been bred for meat production.
COS is here to champion design with quality, fit and fashion at the best price. COS is a modern mindset. It is a democratic mentality where good design does not have to be out of reach financially.
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COS Head Office
4th Floor,
Holden House
57 Rathbone Place
London W1T 1HE
Telephone number: +44 (0) 207 339 3500
Fax number : +44 (0) 207 339 3591
Contact persons:
Asa Eriksson (Head of Press & Marketing) : asa.eriksson@hm.com
Zaira Hunjan: zaira.hunjan@hm.com
Holly Burgess: holly.burgess@hm.com