Retail Pioneer Les Wexner Navigating a Checkered Legacy

Les Wexner A Retail Pioneer with a Checkered Legacy

Les Wexner is an American businessman who founded L Brands, the retail empire that includes Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Pink. He is considered one of the most successful retail entrepreneurs of all time, having transformed Victoria's Secret from a small mail-order lingerie company into a global powerhouse.

Early Life and Education

Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1937, Wexner grew up in a middle-class family. He studied business administration at Ohio State University and graduated in 1959. After graduation, he worked as a real estate agent and then as a manager at a women's clothing store.

Founding of L Brands

In 1963, Wexner used $5,000 in savings to open a small store called Leslie's Limited in Columbus, Ohio, selling women's clothing and accessories. The store was successful, and Wexner soon expanded into other locations. In 1977, he acquired Victoria's Secret, a mail-order lingerie company, and began transforming it into a brick-and-mortar retail chain.

The Rise of Victoria's Secret

Under Wexner's leadership, Victoria's Secret became one of the most iconic brands in the world. The company's sexy marketing campaigns and fashion shows helped to make lingerie a more mainstream product. Victoria's Secret also became a major force in the fashion industry, launching the careers of many top models, including Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, and Tyra Banks.

Beyond Victoria's Secret

Wexner's success with Victoria's Secret allowed him to expand his retail empire. He acquired Bath & Body Works in 1990 and launched Pink, a younger-demographic brand, in 2006. L Brands became one of the largest and most successful retail companies in the world, with over 3,000 stores and annual revenue of over $12 billion.

Controversies

Wexner's career has not been without controversy. In 2019, he was accused of turning a blind eye to allegations of sexual misconduct against Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Wexner has also been criticized for his handling of employee complaints about sexual harassment at L Brands.

Philanthropy

Wexner is a major philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to a variety of causes, including education, healthcare, and the arts. He is also the chairman of the Wexner Foundation, which supports Jewish education and leadership development programs.

Legacy

Les Wexner is a complex and controversial figure. He is a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the retail industry, but he has also been criticized for his handling of sexual misconduct allegations. Despite the controversies, there is no doubt that Wexner has had a profound impact on the world of retail.

Les Wexner is a fascinating and complex figure who has left an indelible mark on the world of retail. He is a reminder that even the most successful entrepreneurs can make mistakes, but also that they can have a positive impact on the world.?