Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins also known as 'Dotty P' whose trading name was inspired by a  rambler rose of the same name, is a large British women's clothing  retailer, active mostly in the  United Kingdom. ==History[edit] ==

Founded in 1909 under the name H. P. Newman, it changed its trading name to Dorothy Perkins in 1919.[1]  In the 1960s, Dorothy Perkins was controlled by the Farmer family, who used to own Winster Hosiery. Staff in the branches could expect regular visits from Alan Farmer, whose picture was printed in a booklet handed to new employees. Best known for its lingerie, tights, and sleepwear collections, its other clothes had a hard time competing with the more trendy Lewis Separates, now owned by River Island Clothing Company Ltd, and Peter Robinson.

One newspaper advertisement for management trainees asked: 'Will curls come in? Will maxis make it?' However, the stores never really got to grips with sixties boutique culture. AuthorMargret Geraghty who worked there for a while in the late sixties remembers that all the sales staff had to wear nylon uniforms: 'They were cerise with a zip up the front. Forget dolly birds. They looked more like canteen assistants.' The exception was the store manageress, who was permitted to wear her own clothes. ==Today[edit] ==

A Dorothy Perkins shared with Burton onBriggate in Leeds.Dorothy Perkins product lines include Dresses, Jersey Tops, Knitwear, Coats, Tailoring, Denim, Shoes, Accessories, Jewellery, Lingerie, Maternity, Petite and Tall. Dorothy Perkins offer sizes 6-22 in most lines and have short, regular and long leg in most of their trousers. In shoes they offer UK sizes 3-8, and also 9 in some styles.

The company has an account card which offers incentive and reward schemes to customers, including vouchers for customers on their birthday and several 20% off VIP days per year. Credit is provided by Santander UK. The card can be used at any store within The Seven Network.

Dorothy Perkins support The Woodland Trust and have raised enough to plant nearly 100,000 trees since May 2007, through selling limited edition clothing ranges.

Arcadia has an acclaimed training programme, which encourages employees to expand their responsibilities and knowledge of company and business affairs. Financial incentives are offered to employees to take advantage of this programme, which comprises three levels; Standard Level, Advanced Level and Top Level.