Who Is Roy Raymond? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 15, 1947, Roy Raymond was a prominent American businessman known for founding the iconic lingerie brand, Victoria's Secret. He developed the brand in 1977 with the vision of creating a comfortable and inviting shopping experience for women. Roy's innovative take on women's intimate apparel transformed the industry, making lingerie more accessible and fashionable. Sadly, he passed away in 1993, but his legacy continues to influence fashion and retail.
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1947 |
| Age | 46 Years |
| Birth Place | Connecticut, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 26 August, 1993 |
| Died Place | San Francisco, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Roy Raymond's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific physical stats are less documented, it’s known that Roy Raymond had a medium build typical of men of his era. In estimates, he measured approximately:
- Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
- Weight: 180 lbs (82 kg)
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Roy Raymond was married to Gaye Raymond, with whom he had two children—a son and a daughter. The couple shared a strong bond throughout their marriage, an element that is often mirrored in his professional life as he cited family values as part of his business aspirations. Unfortunately, there are no updated public records regarding his relationship status in 2025 as he passed away in 1993.
On June 12, 1977, Victoria's Secret was founded by Roy and Gaye Raymond in Delaware. Raymond opened the first Victoria's Secret store at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, California. Raymond was inspired to start Victoria's Secret after feeling embarrassed purchasing lingerie for his wife in a department store.
To open the store, he borrowed $40,000 from a bank and $40,000 from his family. Roy and Gaye Raymond worked together to design and launch the first store with a Victorian-inspired style.
A reference to Queen Victoria, the name Victoria's Secret was meant to evoke the sophistication and propriety associated with Victorian era boudoirs while alluding to the "secret" underneath the clothes.
On selecting the name Victoria for the business, Raymond stated that there were "a couple hundred names we came up with, but only that one seemed to have all the elements for the character we were trying to portray."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Roy Raymond's net worth was reported to be around $60 million, owing to the tremendous success of Victoria’s Secret. In 2025, his fiscal impact is examined through the accolades of the brand, which generated billions in revenue. Although specific current earnings are not available due to his passing, the brand's financial success continues to contribute to his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Roy Raymond's career began with a focus on market research and retail strategy, which eventually led to the birth of Victoria's Secret. His unique idea of creating a boutique-style lingerie store revolutionized the way women shop for intimate apparel, influencing future retail concepts.
After selling Victoria's Secret to Leslie Wexner in 1982 for $4 million, Roy continued to innovate in the fashion world. He founded other ventures, although none captured the same level of success as his initial endeavor. His pioneering spirit remains a significant influence on entrepreneurs and business leaders in the fashion industry today.
He started an early business at age 13 in Fairfield that produced wedding invitations. He attended Tufts University, graduating in 1969. Raymond earned his master's degree in Business Administration from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1971.
Social Network
While Roy Raymond did not engage in social media during his lifetime, his brand Victoria’s Secret has since evolved into a massive presence online. The brand engages millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, serving as a platform to reflect on Roy's legacy and impact on women’s fashion.
Leslie Wexner discovered Raymond's store in the early 1980s, described it as unique, and declared that he had never encountered anything like it in his travels.
Although Wexner was interested in purchasing Victoria's Secret, Raymond was initially wary of Wexner, who later stated "When I met him, it was as if he met the devil." Six months later the business was headed towards bankruptcy, and Raymond contacted Wexner to discuss a potential sale.
In 1982, after five years of operation, Raymond sold the Victoria's Secret company for $1 million to Wexner, with its five stores and 42-page catalogue, then reported to be grossing $6 million per year.
Education
Roy Raymond attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in psychology. His educational background equipped him with the skills to understand consumer behavior, which played an integral part in his successful business models.
Conclusion
In watching the evolution of Victoria’s Secret and reflecting on Roy Raymond's life, one can see how his influence still resonates in the fashion industry. His achievements as a businessman continue to inspire future generations. As we move forward to 2025, Roy Raymond's story serves as a reminder of the innovation and creativity essential to entrepreneurship.
