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José Barroso, the entrepreneur behind Don Algodón, has known how to remain in the market thanks to certain identity signs: the label which offers designer clothes for young women.
Dating from the early eighties, when Barroso opened his first shop in Madrid, the first colourful, design-oriented collection was quickly snapped up and the firm decided to diversify. Its subsequent products included the Don Algodón fragrance – leader in its segment – and the Opel Corsa Don Algodón.
When Cortefiel bought 50% of Don Algodón’s share capital in 1985, the label underwent substantial growth. In the meantime, Don Algodón has seen further changes in shareholders. Since 2003, all its capital is in the hands of its founder. It is currently immersed in a new strategic plan to strengthen the label and bring it back to the levels of success it enjoyed in the nineteen eighties. With this in mind, Barroso has signed up designer Juan Duyos. The new artistic director will be offering a fresh and feminine approach to fashion and giving it a distinctive personality.
Another recent venture is Don Algodón Men, launched in February 2005. The firm has also created D.A. Kids, and has an exclusive licence to distribute clothes featuring the popular Spanish TV personalities Los Lunnis.
The Don Algodón distribution network comprises a total of 10 standalones and 35 franchise stores in Spain and Portugal. The label is also available in multi-brand retailers in markets like the UK, Ireland, France, the Netherlands and Japan.
