The name „Karlowsky“ stands for generations of valuable brand-name clothing targeting the hotel and gastronomy industry. Our success story has started in 1892 as my great-grandfather August Karlowsky has laid the foundation for the family company and has begun to sell selected haberdashery goods. In the second generation of the family from 1936, his son Hermann Karlowsky has made the decisive step forward. Our one-way retail store has developed into a wholesale with several business establishments, whose products has been produced at in-house factories.
Since 1990 it is my turn to continue this legacy. Since that time we have maximized the product portfolio, which in the previous years only included rubber apron, piping bag and crumb scrubber. It is my great pleasure, from now on to share my years of experience with my son, Niels. Together we use our passion, know-how and new streams to make sure that our work will be also continued over next generations, as well as filled with new innovative and successful chapters.
Thomas Karlowsky | Managing Director
Establishment by August Karlowsky who went from market to market with his wood cart, a few years later opening of the first retail trade shop for haberdashery in Magdeburg.
Opening of a further living and firm house, which is still today in the firm possession.
The next generation, with Hermann and Frieda Karlowsky, takes over the management. Opening of some businesses and extension of the assortment (haberdashery), retail trade business becomes wholesale and building of manufacture houses, where textiles were made.
After the death of Frieda Karlowsky the company has been assumed by the mother and aunt of today’s company owner. After the death of his mother in 1974 14-year-old Thomas Karlowsky accepts the inheritance of his mother. The inherited company premises did contain the head office until the move in 2008.
Appearance of the first colourful catalogue and since then constant extension of the assortment of professional clothes for catering trade, food-processing industry as well as accessories.
The assortment comprises several 1000 articles after 10 years, which are summarised in a 72-sided catalogue.
Change of name from Karlowsky GmbH & Co. KG to Karlowsky Fashion GmbH. Entry into the advertising industry as premium brand. Publication of the new main catalogue with 128 pages. Move of the Karlowsky Fashion GmbH to Hohendodeleben – extension of the storage capacity.
Development and launch of the trendy brand ROCK CHEF® along with TV chef Stefan Marquard.
Karlowsky Fashion becomes official outfitter of the staff of the “German House” at the Olympic Games in London.
Son Niels Karlowsky joins the company and becomes the new Business Development Manager and Head of Export.