The John Cheatle Group was founded in 1937 by the current Chairman, Mr John Cheatle.

During the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s the Group expanded its Traditional Menswear division to 20 branches throughout the Midlands.

Further initiatives in the 1960s saw the Group's expansion into Schoolwear and Jeanswear, making the Group the longest established specialist UK jeans retailer and the oldest UK account for Levi's Wrangler and Lee jeans.

During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s the Group continued to develop its Traditional Menswear, Schoolwear and Jeanswear divisions in addition to diversifying into Traditional Ladieswear and Formal Hirewear.

In November 1994, the Group completed the acquisition of the Traditional Menswear and Schoolwear business, Buxton & Bonnett. Mr John Cheatle served his apprenticeship in this business from 1929-1937 under its founder, Mr George Buxton.

In March 1963, Mr Nicholas Cheatle joined his father in the business and in March 1992, Mr Justin Cheatle joined his father and grandfather in the business.

Today, the Group operates over 50 branches throughout the UK; supplies the uniform requirements for over 1,000 UK schools; welcomes over 500,000 customers each year and has an annual turnover in excess of £10 million.