FAQFashion

How Four Founders turned ASOS into a fashion leader in 25 years

ASOS, one of the world’s most influential online fashion retailers, was founded in London on June 3, 2000, by four entrepreneurs: Nick Robertson, Quentin Griffiths, Andrew

Published: Sep 29, 2025 3:14 PM

By RETAILBOSS Team

FAQFashion

How Four Founders turned ASOS into a fashion leader in 25 years

ASOS, one of the world’s most influential online fashion retailers, was founded in London on June 3, 2000, by four entrepreneurs: Nick Robertson, Quentin Griffiths, Andrew Regan, and Deborah Thorpe. Robertson and Griffiths led the initial vision, launching “AsSeenOnScreen” as a web store where customers could buy fashion and lifestyle items seen in movies and television. This “red carpet to closet” idea quickly found fans, especially among young adults eager to emulate celebrity style on a budget.

The founders leveraged early internet momentum, access to London’s creative talent, and the growing trend of shopping for “what you see on screen”. By 2001, ASOS joined the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market, using its public listing to fuel explosive growth, expand its range, and boost technology investments.

Key Timeline 2000: ASOS (originally AsSeenOnScreen) is founded. 2001: Lists on AIM, opens the door to public investment. 2003: Company officially rebrands as ASOS plc to match a broader vision. 2004–2008: Product range expands rapidly, including the first own-label womenswear.

Survives a six-week closure after the Buncefield explosion in 2005. 2010–2012: ASOS launches international shops in Germany, France, the USA, Australia, Italy, and Spain; starts its influential ASOS Marketplace for boutique and designer sellers.

2015: Nick Robertson steps down as CEO after leading ASOS through fifteen years of digital retail transformation.. 2021: ASOS acquires Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, and HIIT labels, cementing itself as a global fast fashion leader…

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