Chris Dawson founded the business that became the craft and home retailer The Range.
Dawson started the retail operation in Plymouth in 1980, initially trading as a market stall. The business developed into a large chain selling products across categories including homewares, furniture, garden goods, DIY and leisure. It became known as The Range and expanded to stores across the United Kingdom.
Dawson appeared as a guest Dragon rather than being one of the programme's permanent investors. His retail background gave him experience in buying, store operations and high-volume consumer sales.
The business is sometimes confused with other Dragons' retail interests, including Theo Paphitis's Ryman and Touker Suleyman's fashion companies. Those are separate businesses. Dawson's defining retail achievement is the creation and expansion of The Range from a small market operation.