Jacqueline Gold founded Ann Summers after visiting a Tupperware party in 1981 and realising the potential of selling lingerie to women in their homes.
Using a business model centred on party-planning, with marketing and sales activities limited to women’s homes, and with a strict ‘no men allowed’ policy, Ann Summers became a household name. This approach may be viewed as sexist by some – in the politically correct times in which we live – but it proved hugely successful for the company.
Jacqueline really understood her customers and targeted them perfectly. As a result, she built a company which has a gross annual sales turnover of £150m. The group ranks as one of the most successful and profitable private companies in Britain and Jacqueline has earned a place amongst ‘Britain’s 100 Most Influential Women’.
We hope you’ll agree this is a great example of a successful business woman and a marketing model centred around your customers.
