Our History
A family legacy in its third generation.
Evolution and resilience spanning 70+ years, to create amazing products that bring enjoyment and happiness into the lives of children everywhere.
1947
Born in 1947 in the famous Nottingham Lace Market, GSC was originally a ladies underwear and girlswear business predominantly supplying wholesalers such as Next PLC, then retailers such as John Lewis and BHS.
1980
The 1980s saw growth for us. As the UK’s retail market was changing, we pivoted away from small independents to larger retailers and supermarkets, sourcing additional production in North Africa and beyond. New premises, new clients, new demand.
1990
With the introduction of Walt Disney Stores in the UK in the early 90s, we approached them to manufacture their high-quality, licensed childrenswear, which then led into Disney requesting our expertise to design and manufacture children’s costumes. Fast forward 20 years and we are still supplying numerous Disney outlets across the globe.
2008
Since the launch of Pretend to Bee – our children’s dress-up brand – we’ve become a trusted name in the UK’s education sector for Early Years Role Play. Our costumes have been featured on ITV’s This Morning and the Pride of Britain Awards. They can now be found across the world in schools, role play centres, visitor attractions and museums.
2019
We acquired Active Learning – a Nottingham soft play equipment specialist of 25 years, to compliment and diversify our product range. For our Active Learning products, we were also able to return to manufacturing in the UK.
Today
Our truly global established supply chain includes ISO registered socially and ethically audited factories in China, Sri Lanka and Laos, with carefully selected links in Turkey and Eastern Europe, along with a large network of partners in wider sectors, such as toys and accessories.
Leading with our finger on the pulse of the industry, GSC is thriving in its third generation of the family; winning Disney Global Softlines Vendor of the Year – twice!, Ethical Children’s Manufacturer of the Year and Lord Mayor of Nottingham’s Award for Industry. At GSC, we welcome change, celebrate growth and are always eager to learn.