Everything you need to know about OFFICE: From vintage quirks to ethical footprints
OFFICE has grown into a globally recognized retailer, maintaining its distinctive charm rooted in displaying shoes on old office furniture—a creative nod to its name. Simultaneously, it champions sustainability by supporting the circular fashion economy through its initiative OFFCUTS, which offers consumers unique, secondhand, and ex-display shoes at competitive prices, effectively extending the lifecycle of its products. FashionUnited has gathered all the important aspects of the retailer.
Early days in London
OFFICE began its journey in 1981 as a unique concession within the ‘Hyper Hyper’ department store in London. Its innovative presentation quickly captivated London's fashion scene, leading to the opening of its first standalone store on Kings Road in 1984. Over the years, the firm expanded its footprint, establishing over 160 stores globally and evolving into a revered name in footwear. The brand's growth continued with strategic global partnerships and an expansion into European markets, maintaining its original ethos of individuality and quality while adapting to the dynamic retail landscape.
Distinguished design and offerings
OFFICE prides itself on a diverse product range curated by its in-house design team and augmented through strategic global brand partnerships. This assortment is not merely a collection of trends but a confluence of individuality, quality, and avant-garde design, setting the retailer apart in a saturated market. Among the labels featured are stalwarts like Adidas, Nike, and Dr. Martens, alongside bespoke collaborations that continually reinvent the consumer experience.
OFFCUTS: Driving the circular economy
The initiative OFFCUTS is a testament to the brand's commitment to sustainability and responsible consumerism. Launched as a creative solution to minimize waste and promote the circular fashion economy, it offers customers a unique opportunity to purchase secondhand, ex-display, and end-of-line shoes at reduced prices.
This approach not only extends the lifecycle of footwear by preventing perfectly good products from ending up in landfills but also provides fashion-forward consumers with access to high-quality, stylish footwear at accessible prices. By doing so, OFFCUTS supports the retailer’s overarching sustainability efforts, ensuring that each pair of shoes finds a new home and purpose, thus contributing significantly to the reduction of environmental impact within the fashion industry.
Ethical practices and employment opportunities
OFFICE is more than its products. As a subsidiary of Truworths International since 2015, it is committed to ethical practices and transparency, as evidenced by its Modern Slavery Statements. The brand ensures all products are created under fair conditions, fostering a culture of integrity and respect across its operations.
With over 160 stores worldwide and an evolving e-commerce platform, OFFICE not only offers competitive pay and career progression but also a chance to be part of an industry leader on the British high street and beyond. OFFICE distinguishes itself through innovative designs, ethical business practices, and a deep commitment to its customers and community. Whether through its mainstream stores or its OFFSPRING and OFFCUTS initiatives, it continues to be at the forefront, driving the footwear industry forward with every step.