20 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fashion blogger Rosie Connolly's clothing brand 4th Arq on course to post record profits
Dublin-based Connolly said the brand – founded by Connolly and her husband Paul Quinn in June 2020– was set for a refresh this year, shaking up its hugely popular fleece line in the autumn.
While plans to grow internationally in the UK and Australia – where it already has a significant market – remain, Connolly said 4th Arq will be turning more of its attention back to the Irish market.
In its most recent accounts, Haremi Limited, the owner of 4th Arq, recorded a profit of over €4.16m in the year to the end of June 2024.
Connolly said the business – backed by John Kelly, son of E-Shop World founder Tommy, expects to post a slight increase in its next accounts. Investments in staff and infrastructure had bit into the overall margin.
'We are on track and working away,' she said. 'We are still loving the momentum of everything. I don't know if we can class ourselves as a startup, but it still feels like one. We still have that hunger and that growth in us.'
Continuing growth is a key focus for Connolly. She said Ireland still had huge potential for 4th Arq.
'Something we did do was a bit of research on where we are at in Ireland, and how many people are familiar with us,' she said. 'We kind of felt like everyone knows about us in Ireland, when actually there was still a huge amount that are not familiar with our brand here.
'So we have also turned a bit of our attention back to Ireland to make sure we are getting the best out of the market here.'
The UK and Australia remain important markets for the brand. It is also considering some moves in Europe.
'We are just testing new markets but also nurturing the ones that are there organically,' she said.
'Generally, that is Ireland, the UK and Australia. I think wherever the Irish are, to be honest.'
Looking into 2026, Connolly said selling wholesale into retail outlets would become a feature for 4th Arq.
'There is so much more potential there. Like in Ireland, wholesale is something we are really looking at in the UK and across Europe. We are in talks with a couple of different people at the moment, but that is something that won't come to fruition until 2026.'
Connolly said 4th Arq had recently recorded its one-millionth online order and had shipped its clothes to over 20 countries globally.
