How Roy Raymond Built the Victoria's Secret Empire

Roy Raymond was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, but he received his most successful idea at a completely unexpected moment. Roy Raymond went to a department store to buy underwear for his wife and encountered an awkward situation — the sales associates were inexperienced, the selection seemed limited, and the entire store atmosphere was uncomfortable. This personal unpleasant experience inspired him to create an innovative solution.

How the revolution in the lingerie industry began

To bring his vision to life, Roy Raymond secured the necessary capital. He obtained a $40,000 loan from a bank and an additional $40,000 from his family. Together with his wife, Gaye Raymond, they jointly developed a concept for a completely new type of store — one that would focus not only on sales but also on creating a unique experience for shoppers.

The birth of a legend: the first Victoria’s Secret store

The first Victoria’s Secret store opened with a completely different approach to design and atmosphere. Its interior was inspired by the Victorian era — elegant details, refined finishes, and a sophisticated ambiance. This aesthetic became the foundation of the brand identity, which would be recognizable decades later. This approach to design allowed the store to immediately stand out from competitors.

From startup to global leader

Starting with a single store funded by personal savings and family investments, Victoria’s Secret gradually grew into a global enterprise. As of 2025, Victoria’s Secret & Co. reached a market capitalization of $2.32 billion, ranking 4,347th among the most valuable corporations in the world. This is an impressive result for a business that originated from a single personal problem that the founder saw and decided to solve.

Roy Raymond’s story demonstrates how a simple observation of everyday inconveniences can transform into a worldwide retail empire.