Whispering Smith acquires Good For Nothing clothing brand
British fast-fashion wholesale importer and supplier, Whispering Smith, has announced the acquisition of the urban fashion brand, Good For Nothing as part of its continued brand portfolio expansion.
GFN was created 10 years ago by the then 18-year-old student, Jack McCleish. Since then, it has has grown to a multi-million and globally recognised brand, sold to hundreds of high street and independent retailers including ASOS, Zalando and JD Sports.
Founded in Manchester in 1967, Whispering Smith is one of the UK's largest creator, importer, wholesaler and distributor of clothing for all major high street stores and etailers across the globe.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, 2020 saw GFN grow its online sales by up to 100%, with huge growth in womenswear, in which it sold more than 10,000 units. The brand intends to roll out new womenswear collections online monthly, increasing its product range by around 100%.
Other plans for 2021 include continued acceleration of its popular outerwear and denim ranges. Spring 2021 will see the launch of its new cotton jersey lines, and AW21 will introduce knitwear.
Commenting on its rapid growth and merger with Whispering Smith, GFN Managing Director, Mcleish said: “Since day one, our USP has been about ‘affordable luxury', combining key trends, quality and affordability. I always believed passionately in the potential of GFN, which is why back in 2016, I turned to Whispering Smith for help with production and distribution.
“Being under the umbrella of Whispering Smith has sky-rocketed the GFN from a successful, but relatively niche independent fashion label, to a recognisable, international high street presence.
“We’ve effectively grown the entire GFN infrastructure, along with our sourcing and distribution network, which has more than doubled since the merger.”
2021 will see GFN’s fulfilment and warehouse space relocated to Whispering Smith’s 500 sq ft warehouse in Manchester, which will significantly reduce overheads and allow it to reinvest and stimulate further growth.
