Janie Schaffer

Janie Schaffer (born 25 December 1961) is a British businesswoman, founder of Knickerbox, bought the iconic Italian brand Fiorucci in 2015.

Early life

Born Janie Godber, she attended the London School of Fashion.

Business career

Working in her early years as a designer, Janie Schaffer joined Marks & Spencer in 1983 as a trainee buyer.

Knickerbox

In October 1986 Janie Schaffer and her future spouse Stephen Schaffer launched lingerie chain Knickerbox with a £75,000 investment loan, opening their first store on Regent Street, London. Within two years the company was making annual profits of over £6 million, and by 1992 the business had expanded to 70 stores. In 1995, with Knickerbox consisting of 140 stores across Britain, Europe and the Far East, the duo decided to sell the company. After taking time out to be with her triplet daughters, Janie Schaffer consulted for The Oasis Group, developing and launching the Odille lingerie line.

2008 - 2015

In January 2008 Janie Schaffer accepted a role as Chief Creative Officer with US retailer Victoria's Secret, a subsidiary of Fortune 500 firm Limited brands Inc with 1,025 stores worldwide. Janie Schaffer returned to London to take up a full-time position as Director of lingerie and beauty for Marks & Spencer.

Fiorucci

In 2015 Janie bought the iconic Italian brand Fiorucci. Fiorucci is one of the last remaining heritage brands with global recognition and a history of retailing in Europe, the US and the Far East. The Sunday Times "Janie Schaffer has bought Fiorucci"