Victoria's secret

   Established in San Francisco in the early 1970s by Roy Raymond, this lingerie shop captured a Victorian boudoir atmosphere, which in time would become highly successful. Victoria's Secret, consisting of three stores and a catalog business, was acquired by Limited Brands and, in 2006, was the leading specialty retailer of lingerie in the United States, operating more than 1,000 stores across the nation. Victoria's Secret fashion shows, catalogs, and models have been somewhat controversial and have brought the retailer unprecedented revenue and growth.

   See also Intimate apparel.