ACAI, the premium women’s outdoorwear brand known for its pioneering Skinny Outdoor Trousers, has reported record half year results as it realises the first stages of its ambitious expansion plans.
Half year revenues at the company increased by 98% year-on-year leading to a £463,000 pre-tax profit (March to August 2020). This compares to £234,000 in 2019. The results follow another strong quarter for the fast-growing company with exponential sales leading to a 94% increase in revenue on quarter one and pre-tax profits of £258,000 (June/July/August).
The news comes as the premium women’s outdoorwear business rebrands as ACAI Outdoorwear and launches its largest collection to date.
Asserting its position in the sector, the new identity reflects the natural evolvement of the business and positions the outdoors at the heart of the brand. It features across all operations and includes a new website, branded social platforms and products.
The rebrand coincides with the launch of ACAI Outdoorwear’s largest collection to date, which features an extended range of legwear and accessories, and sees the business make its first foray into women’s upper mid-layers.
Speaking on the new brand identity, Creative Director and Co-Founder of ACAI Outdoorwear, Kasia Bromley, said: “Our new brand identity has, like our outerwear, been crafted with style and performance front of mind.
“We don’t believe that style should be a barrier to embracing the outdoors and are committed to delivering a collection that supports women in achieving whatever challenges they set.
“This ethos has informed the aesthetic of our rebrand, with a new sleek logo and emblem inspired by the mountains we love. The colour palette is informed by our surroundings in the outdoors with a peach highlight, a reclamation of the colour women were once forced to choose when selecting their outdoorwear and the colour which inspired the brand to take action against the pigeon-holing of women in the outdoor arena.
“ACAI Outdoorwear is committed to continuing to innovate, offering style, fit and performance without compromise. We’re excited to launch our new identity and collection as we progress in our mission to empower more women to embrace the outdoors.”
Managing Director and Co-founder of ACAI Outdoorwear, Joe Bromley, added: “These are exceptional results that see ACAI Outdoorwear well on track to achieve and exceed our 2020 business targets. Like most online retailers we have seen an increase in sales resulting from the temporary closure of UK highstreets. Whereas some businesses are now reporting a natural drop however, ACAI Outdoorwear sales show no sign of slowing as people rediscover a love of the outdoors.
“We’re proud to be investing in ACAI Outdoorwear with an expanding team, new collection and, in the coming weeks, a move to new and larger premises. Whilst the environment remains uncertain, we remain confident of the opportunities for sustained significant growth.”
ACAI Outdoorwear was founded in 2016 by Kasia Bromley and husband and business partner Joe. Since launch, ACAI has revolutionised the women’s outdoorwear market with its Skinny Outdoor Trousers, which mimic a skinny jean but have all the performance benefits of an outdoor garment.
Last year ACAI Outdoorwear strengthened its board, hiring chairman Richard Leedham, former President of Berghaus, advisor Jennifer Atkinson, who is also President of ITC Luxury Travel Group, and finance director Bruce Walker. It raised over £400,000 from DSW Angels, Development Bank of Wales, and Jennifer Atkinson.
