HISTORY

TRANSFORMATION

SINCE 1955

It all began in 1955 with a small fashion shop in Mannheim. An international group of companies has since grown from those regional roots. A history characterised by constant change and bold decisions.

OUR ROOTS

TRADITION & FUTURE

The Betty Barclay Group’s history is characterised by courage, creativity and constant change. Over the years, the textile company from Mannheim has developed into an international group of companies whose collections are now represented in more than 60 countries. Vision and entrepreneurial spirit have created a strong brand world with eight labels that bring stylish women’s fashion to life in all its facets – from casual looks to premium outfits. For us, growth not only means economic success, but also continuous development. We constantly expand our portfolio with new labels, modern concepts and innovative trading models. At the same time, our culture remains characterised by respect, responsibility and partnership: values that guide our actions in everyday life. Tradition combines with the future to form our foundation: experience that creates trust, innovation that inspires. This is how we continue to write our history. Step by step, collection by collection.

OUR JOURNEY

MILESTONES

The Betty Barclay Group looks back on a history of change, creativity and growth. Our milestones show how tradition and innovation shape our actions and lead the way to the future.

2025
2025
2024
2023
2021
2020
2020
2016
2013
2008
2005
2004
2002
1998
1997
1992
1991
1986
1972
1968
1961
1955
1938

2025

THANK YOU FOR 50 YEARS

JÜRGEN H.WINTER COMPANY ANNIVERSARY

Our owner, Jürgen H.Winter, looks back on an extraordinary 50 years with the Betty Barclay Group. Thank you for 50 years of passion, responsibility and visionary foresight!
2025

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

IN THE FINAL STAGES

The new logistics centre is taking shape: the façade is in place and state-of-the-art technology is being installed. Full commissioning is planned for 2026.
November 2024

NEW LOGISTICS CENTRE

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new logistics centre takes place on 4 November. Equipped with state-of-the-art shelving and automation technology, it is scheduled for completion by 2026.
2023

1ST PLACE & DIGITAL PLATFORM

BEST FASHION EMPLOYER BRAND

The Betty Barclay Group becomes a top employer in the fashion industry. In addition, the new platform ‘The Fashion Story’ is launched, which digitally unites the brand portfolio.
2021

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

ACTING RESPONSIBLY

A new photovoltaic system on the roof of the headquarters demonstrates our commitment to greater sustainability.
2020

ACQUISITION OF ZERO GROUP

BRAND PORTFOLIO GROWTH

The Betty Barclay Group is expanding its portfolio and taking over the ZERO Group brand.
2020

TOP EMPLOYER

STRONG EMPLOYER BRAND

The Betty Barclay Group ranks second in the list of top fashion industry employers according to the TextilWirtschaft study ‘Working in Fashion’.
2016

NEW BRANDS

EXPANDING OUR BRAND WORLD

The brands Betty & Co and Amber & June complement the portfolio with modern, urban looks.
2013

CARTOON STARTS

NEW BRAND & NEW STORES

The Betty Barclay Group launches Cartoon and opens the 67th Betty Barclay retail store.
2008

E-COMMERCE & SAINT JACQUES

ONLINE & PREMIUM MARKET

The group enters the e-commerce market with its first online shop. In addition, the premium brand Saint Jacques launches as a complement to Gil Bret Outdoor.
2005

50 YEARS OF BETTY BARCLAY

ANNIVERSARY AND SUCCESS STORY

The brand celebrates its 50th anniversary and can be proud of a strong track record of success.
2004

EYEWEAR LICENSE

ANOTHER SEGMENT

The portfolio grows with the licensing of Betty Barclay Eyewear.
2002

NEW PROFILE

NEW LOOK BRAND

The Betty Barclay brand is repositioned and given a modernised logo.
1998

ONLINE PRESENCE

DIGITAL LAUNCH

The group of companies launches its first website and focuses on a digital presence early on.
1997

MORE LICENSES

LIFESTYLE EXPANDS

Betty Barclay Shoe Fashion and Accessories are followed by other lifestyle products that expand the brand world.
1992

FIRST LICENSE

ENTERING THE LIFESTYLE MARKET

With Betty Barclay Fragrances, the first licensing agreement is issued and the Lifestyle segment is opened.
1991

NEW CHAPTER

LEADERSHIP WITH VISION

Jürgen H.Winter takes over the management of the group of companies as managing partner and significantly shapes its development.
1986

LEADING THE WAY IN GERMANY

MARKET LEADER IN WOMEN'S FASHION

Betty Barclay achieves the highest level of recognition for a German brand in women’s apparel.
1972

EXCLUSIVELY WORLDWIDE

BETTY BARCLAY

The Betty Barclay brand is acquired for exclusive use worldwide, thereby strategically strengthening its position as an international fashion brand.
1968

GIL BRET FOUNDED

FIRST OUTDOOR COLLECTION

The Gil Bret brand is launched on the market and offers coats, jackets, trouser suits and women’s suits. This adds a strong outdoor line to the portfolio.
1961

VERA MONT IS CREATED

ELEGANCE FROM FRANCE

With Vera Mont, the group expands its portfolio to include festive evening, cocktail and bridal wear. The brand was founded in France and continues to set elegant accents today.
1955

START IN EUROPE

FIRST COLLECTION, FIRST SUCCESSES

Max Berk acquires the Jonathan Logan Group license and brings Betty Barclay to Europe. With the founding of Betty Barclay Kleiderfabrik GmbH, the first in-house collection is launched.
1938

MANNHEIM BEGINNINGS

THE BRAND’S CORNERSTONE

The Betty Barclay teenage collection is available in the USA. In the same year, Max Berk took over a textile company in Mannheim and switched to women’s apparel.