In a ground-breaking achievement, UK athleisure brands have secured prominent positions in the Sunday Times’ list of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private companies, showcasing significant growth rates.
- Adanola has emerged as a leader, positioned as the 7th fastest-growing company, with a remarkable CAGR of 202% over three years.
- Passenger, although dropping from 9th to 14th place, remains a significant player with a 171% CAGR, underscoring the brand’s robust expansion.
- Other notable brands include Manchester-based Castore and Poole’s ThruDark, while AYBL Group caps the list at 100th place.
- The dominance of Manchester in this sector is evident, with four of the top five fashion brands originating from the region.
The Sunday Times’ latest ranking of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private companies highlights the remarkable rise of UK athleisure brands, emphasizing their substantial impact on the fashion retail landscape. Adanola, a Manchester-based athleisure brand, leads the sector by being ranked seventh on the list, boasting an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 202% over three years. This exceptional growth rate underlines Adanola’s thriving business model and expanding market reach.
Passenger, an outdoor clothing label from Hampshire, experienced a slight drop from its previous ninth position to 14th this year. Despite this decline, the brand recorded a robust CAGR of 171%, making it the second fastest-growing fashion retail business in the UK after Adanola. Passenger’s consistent growth reflects its adaptability and sustained consumer interest in its outdoor apparel offerings.
Among the listed companies, Manchester-based Castore secured the 34th spot with significant sales growth, while ThruDark, hailing from Poole, reached 61st place. Castore’s achievement demonstrates the growing demand for sportswear, whereas ThruDark’s standings highlight its niche appeal in the outdoor clothing sector. Additionally, the AYBL Group, known for its dynamic approach within the athleisure domain, concluded the ranking at 100th place.
Interestingly, Manchester emerged as a hub for the UK’s fastest-growing fashion retail businesses, with Adanola, Six Stories, Castore, and Club L London all contributing to the region’s prominence. The presence of these companies in the top rankings signifies Manchester’s pivotal role in shaping the UK’s athleisure and fashion retail market.
In contrast, menswear brands such as Represent and Mauvais from Bolton and Cambridgeshire, respectively, also made the list, with Represent positioned at 68th and Mauvais at 82nd. This inclusion underscores the diversification and broadening appeal of men’s fashion within the rapidly evolving UK retail sector.
The Sunday Times’ ranking illustrates the dynamic growth path of UK athleisure brands, underscoring their pivotal role in the fashion industry’s evolution.
