Early Life
Vladimir Melnikov's business journey began in the 1970s in underground sewing workshops.
Rise to Success
In 1988, Melnikov founded Gloria Jeans, a company that would become one of Russia's largest fast-fashion retailers. Initially, the company manufactured for Western brands such as Levi's and H&M. The business expanded significantly in 2022 after the departure of competitors like H&M and Zara from the Russian market, allowing Gloria Jeans to rent vacated spaces. Gloria Jeans operates over 700 stores across Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Melnikov has been the CEO of Gloria Jeans on multiple occasions.
Key Business Strategies
Melnikov's success is largely attributed to his strategic moves within the fast-fashion market. Gloria Jeans capitalized on the vacuum created by the exit of major Western brands.
Philanthropy
In 2003, Melnikov created a charitable foundation named after the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia Uzoreshitelnitsa, which provides assistance to people in difficult life situations. In 2024, Melnikov transferred the company VVM Investments, through which he owned Gloria Jeans, to his foundation.
