Nick Wheeler first had the idea for Charles Tyrwhitt shirts whilst studying Geography at Bristol University in 1986; to make the best shirts, using only the finest materials, at great value and with unbeatable service.
After a stint with Bain & Co, the strategy consultants, Nick Wheeler went “full-time” in 1990. He used his middle names Charles Tyrwhitt – it was personal, but more anonymous than “Nick Wheeler shirts”. The fledgling business was financed by a lucky foray into the classic car market and started with just 8 shirts and 8 ties in the first mail order only leaflet.
Success was steady and the “leaflet” grew to four catalogues a year. This led to the opening of a shop on Jermyn Street in 1997, a website in 1998 and overseas expansion with a Paris store in 2001 and one on New York’s Madison Avenue in 2003. There are now 44 stores.
The product range has developed alongside business growth; from just shirts and ties to suits, shoes and a full casual offering.
Today the business has grown to become a full-scale multi-channel retailer and leading British brand. The company continues to grow rapidly in the UK and internationally with sales forecast of £220M.
Charles Tyrwhitt’s mission today remains true to Nick’s founding principles – to provide quality and value, and to deliver them to the customer with a passion for customer service that surpasses all competition.
Nick Wheeler is also a non-executive director of The White Company. He is married to Chrissie Rucker, founder of the White Company. They have four children and live in Oxfordshire.
Wheeler was awarded an OBE for services for retail in December 2017.
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