Ann Summers Lingerie

Founded by Michael Caborn-Waterfield nicknamed “Dandy Kim” a very interesting character who lived a long and sometimes controversial life. In 1970 he opened the first Ann Summers lingerie shop on Edgware Road Marble Arch London. It was named after his secretary and girlfriend at the time buxom blonde Annice Summers (Goodwin). In 1971 Ann was named Woman of the Year by the London Evening Standard newspaper. She withdrew her backing for the venture later after becoming concerned about some of the products sold, it was the early 70s. In late 1971 after voluntary liquidation Ann Summers shops were sold to the Gold brothers Ralph and John for £10,000. Taking the Anne Summers name the debts and employing Ann to run one of the London shops they set about making the changes. They established it into a lingerie boutique and adult toy shop with an improved sense of respectability. Jacqueline Gold the daughter of David Gold took the high street chain to another level in 1981 with the introduction of the Ann Summers Party Plan. This rapidly grew and Ann Summers now employs thousands of Party Organisers. Ann Summers purchased the Knickerbox brand and 30 lingerie shops in March 2000 from receivers for an undisclosed sum. A brand recognised for a fun and provocative approach to intimates and life’s natural instinctive pleasures.