Kessler Group Adapts to Change
In the early 1950s, links with pre-war customers, including Max Factor, were revived and new ones forged. The Parker Pen Company and Dunlop Tyres commissioned Kesslers to make display stands.
Kessler Group’s Expertise in Beauty
Kesslers was always at the forefront of modern merchandising design from its post-war high quality wooden displays to modern-day fixtures that required complex display techniques.
Kesslers was renowned for its close relationships with its clients, which included the beauty world’s iconic founders and leaders, many exacting in their demands.
Elizabeth Arden, famed for her direct and forceful approach to business, wanted Kesslers to produce an innovative plastic merchandising unit to display lipsticks. The company specially purchased a moulding machine for the job, which was soon put to use with many top cosmetic brands, including Helena Rubinstein, Mary Quant, Charles of the Ritz and Yardley.
Fashion and cosmetics designer Mary Quant would repeatedly insist on changes to her retail display units until they met with her approval.
Kenneth Green, the charismatic chairman of Charles of the Ritz, was heavily involved in his brand’s displays and impressed with his professional eye for detail and natural flair.
Barbara Hulanicki, inspirational founder of BIBA, ensured the BIBA cosmetics displays reflected the brand’s iconic values.
George and Charles Kessler
In the mid 1970s, Willie’s sons, George and Charles, joined the business, helping grow Kesslers’ export business following UK’s membership of the EU.
Kesslers International Ltd
With the expansion of the business came a change of name to Kesslers International Ltd, reflecting its growth in exports. Throughout the 1980s, the business flourished with the introduction of computer assisted design (CAD) and manufacturing.
Bridgewater Distribution & Management
The idea for a separate logistics business was born, named BDM.
Kessler Group’s Expertise in Beauty
In the 21st century Kesslers expanded to service clients all over the world. Global campaigns were launched for both Christian Dior and Chanel from Paris, and Estée Lauder and Revlon out of New York.
Preparations for London 2012 Olympics
Preparations for the London 2012 Olympics were underway and the Carpenters Road site was purchased so that the building of the main Olympic stadium could begin.
Charles Kessler recalls discovering that the Olympic diving pool was precisely where BDM was located, meaning that Tom Daley and others would have dived straight through the BDM offices on their way to medal victory.
Brand Technology in Dusseldorf
Brand Technology was launched at EuroShop in Dusseldorf.
The Sale of Kesslers International Display Business
Kesslers International Display Business was passed on to new owners. The Kessler Group has since focused on building BDM’s international business and embarking on major refurbishment and extension of Kessler Group Properties.
Kessler Properties Development
A major refurbishment was undertaken to Notcutt House in Central London. Finished to the highest standard, the building is a prestige Head Office for major tenants.
Passing of William Kessler
In July 2019, William Kessler passed away, aged 92, after 77 years of continuous service to the business. He was closely involved in many aspects of the business right up until his passing.
Dr Edward Kessler and Charles Kessler
In March 2019 Edward Kessler, founder of The Woolf Institute, returned to the board of the family business.