Historic lingerie model that introduced Wonderbra to UK closes after 125 years
Gossard, the historic lingerie brand that introduced the Wonderbra to the UK in the 1960s, has ceased trading and entered liquidation after more than 125 years in business, with staff made redundant
The company, which was founded in 1901, had been based out of The Courtaulds Building on Haydn Road in Sherwood(Image: Google)
A century-old UK business with a distinguished heritage has gone into liquidation and axed staff after shutting down operations. Underwear firm Gossard, which was established in 1901 and brought the Wonderbra to Britain in the 1960s, entered liquidation on May 14.
Liquidators from CFS Restructuring will now dispose of Gossard Limited’s assets before shutting the company permanently, which had operated from The Courtaulds Building on Haydn Road in Sherwood, reports Nottinghamshire Live.
“Please be advised that Gossard Limited has officially ceased trading and entered liquidation effective May 14, 2026,” a statement on its website reads.
“This appointment relates solely to the UK entity trading as Gossard. Gossard’s European operations and affiliated entities outside the UK are continuing to operate as normal and are not subject to these liquidation proceedings.”
“We would like to thank our customers, partners, and employees for their support over the years.”
Gossard had positioned itself as a heritage lingerie brand offering everything from bralets to plunge bras.
The company owed substantial sums to HMRC and suppliers when it collapsed, according to paperwork submitted to Companies House by its liquidators.
While it possessed approximately £642,993 worth of stock, this was only anticipated to generate around £17,400 during the liquidators’ clearance sale.
This fell drastically short of covering debts to 25 suppliers who had claimed £2,482,763 in total, plus a £346,191 claim from HMRC. Three former workers at the firm also lodged claims totalling £77,910, according to Companies House records.
The statement of affairs compiled by the liquidators of the bankrupt city business, which had been controlled by a Hong Kong-based parent company, revealed that overall it was likely to face a £2,813,604 deficit when attempting to settle creditor debts.
Sister firm Embody (Brands) Limited, a hosiery retailer based in the same Sherwood premises, also went into liquidation on May 14, owing hundreds of thousands of pounds to suppliers and staff.
This company held £947,257 worth of stock, according to liquidators, but this was only anticipated to fetch £35,300.
Embody was expected to possess around £230,000 worth of assets for disposal, but this was not considered sufficient to cover a demand from HMRC for £252,583, claims from traders totalling £634,058, and claims from 15 workers amounting to £358,565.
There was a projected deficit of £1,025,117 for Embody’s creditors, CFS Restructuring highlighted in its statement of affairs.
Pretty Polly Limited, another connected company situated at The Courtaulds Building, has also entered liquidation.
“Please be advised that Pretty Polly has officially ceased trading and entered liquidation effective May 14, 2026,” a notice on its website said.
“We would like to thank our customers, partners, and employees for their support over the years.”
