Cotton On

Cotton On exist to make a positive difference to people’s lives. As Australia’s largest global retailer, we want to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone we touch; whether that’s in our backyard or on the other side of the world. It’s as simple as that.

We have a genuine belief in our brands, our big ideas, and our ability to bring them to life. Our six values underpin who we are and the way we work. They form the basis of everything we do, guide us in our decision making and are the same values that our founder, Nigel has instilled since day one.

To ‘cotton on’ to something means to understand or discover the potential of a great idea. This, paired with an entrepreneurial spirit like no other, led Cotton On Group founder Nigel Austin to the Beckley Market in Geelong armed with a pile of acid wash denim jackets (it was the late 80s after all). Customers loved the jackets, but Nigel left without making a sale. The next week he had an epiphany; he returned to the market, lowered the price, and the jackets sold out instantly. It was the start of something big.