Victoria's Secret Intimates
Victoria’s Secret is not just the name of an American
lingerie retailer; it is a reflection of American society.
Victoria’s Secret is synonymous with lingerie, yet there are
many other factors that set this lucrative company apart from the
rest. Founded by the late Roy Raymond in 1977, Raymond had a vision
that would forever change the world of lingerie. While shopping for
his own wife, he found that he felt uncomfortable looking for
women’s lingerie at a large department store. With an attempt
to create an atmosphere that was inviting for men to shop in,
Raymond opened his first Victoria’s Secret store.
Victoria’s Secret began selling women’s underwear that
had sexy, yet sophisticated designs. In addition, Raymond hired
helpful staff that essentially did the shopping for the customer.
To complete his new business, he mailed out a Victoria’s
Secret catalog, one that is still a hit today.
In 1982, Victoria’s Secret was sold to The Limited and is now
the largest division of the Limited Brands. During this time,
Victoria’s Secret stores were integrated into malls and began
selling other items, such as apparel and perfumes. Women’s
bras became the hottest sellers, as they sported unique designs,
incorporating lace, soft colors and silky materials. While these
lingerie styles were sexy and seductive, they appealed to the
average, middle class woman.
Yet it’s not just what Victoria’s Secret sells that
sets them over the top, but their aggressive marketing strategies.
From their beautiful Victoria’s Secret Angels models, their
extensive catalog, and their anticipated fashion shows, it’s
no wonder that this company is the leading retailer in lingerie.