From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Powerhouse: Accent’s 40-Year Journey

Accent Clothing was established in 1984 by Martin Schneider and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary under new local ownership. The store carries top global men’s designer brands such as Replay, Belstaff, Lacoste, Paul Smith, Mallet, and Axel Arigato. Accent takes pride in offering its customers exclusive designer pieces with a focus on denim and outerwear.

Martin Schneider’s journey began in Germany, where he worked with his father and uncle in a family-run aerial photography business. After a few years, he decided to return to the UK. In Leeds, Martin and his friends frequented a store called “Primos,” the only designer shop in the city at the time. Martin became a regular and formed a friendship with the manager, who revealed the store was facing bankruptcy. The manager suggested that Martin, despite having no retail experience, partner with him to open a new store. Their first major disagreement arose when Martin wanted to stock high-end Italian brands like Valentino and Armani, while his partner favoured cheaper stock with higher profit margins.

Despite these differences, they found a potential space in Unit 18 of Queens Arcade, opposite the current Accent store. However, when it came time to provide funding, Martin’s partner had nothing to contribute, leading to the dissolution of their partnership. Fortunately, one of Martin’s friends stepped in to fill the gap, and the two travelled to Paris with £8,000 to buy their first stock. They purchased Liberto Jeans, choosing styles they liked and estimating the quantities they would need. With no prior retail experience, they were so focused on preparing the shop that they didn’t settle on a name until two weeks before opening.

Martin met his wife, Louise, in 1985 at an Accent Clothing fashion show where she was modelling. Louise initially handled the bookkeeping for the growing business and later spearheaded Accent’s online presence during the dot-com boom.

By 1990, Accent was thriving and expanded into the neighbouring unit, doubling its size. In 1995, the store’s popularity led to leasing a larger unit across the way, where Accent still operates today. Around this time, Harvey Nichols opened its first store outside of London at the bottom of Queens Arcade, attracting many designer stores to Leeds. This influx benefited Accent, drawing high-profile customers like restaurant owners and footballers, including Fabrizio Ravanelli from Middlesbrough.

Accent Ladies launched in Victoria Quarter in 1992 before relocating to Queens Arcade, opposite Accent’s Men’s and Junior stores. In 2013, Accent Ladies joined the menswear and junior collections under one roof, offering a comprehensive shopping experience. Recognizing the shift in retail, Accent launched its online store in 2008, allowing customers to browse products online and try them on in-store.

Accent Clothing remained a family affair for many years, with Martin and Louise’s son, Jack, and daughter, Becky, both contributing to the business’s growth. Jack joined Accent full-time in 2010 as the assistant menswear buyer and played a key role in opening a new store in Bradford. Becky started working on the ladies’ shop floor at just 14 and later took on the roles of marketing and e-commerce manager, as well as ladieswear buyer after completing her studies.

In 2021, the business was sold to a local entrepreneur, who has continued to build on its success. As Accent Clothing celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, it remains a proud independent business dedicated to exceptional customer service and a thoughtfully curated selection of designer menswear. The company has streamlined its focus, discontinuing womenswear and childrenswear to further strengthen its menswear offering. Its strong online presence has been key to its growth, enabling Accent to reach customers worldwide.

As Accent Clothing looks to the future, its commitment to quality, individuality, and personal service remains at the heart of the brand. By focusing on its core strengths and embracing the evolving landscape of retail, both in-store and online, Accent continues to thrive as a destination for discerning customers. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, Accent Clothing is poised for continued success, proudly celebrating 40 years of excellence while looking ahead to many more.