What’s happening in retail & with brands – trends for week ending 8th June 2012
Company Results
- Caffyns have reported a decrease in sales to £170m from £201m for the 12 months to March 2012. Pre-tax profit increased to £1.5m for the same period. (Source: AM online)
- John Lewis have reported a 15.0% increase in sales (including VAT) for the week to 02 June 2012. Fashion, Electricals & Home Technology and Home sales increased by 20.1%, 18.8% and 9.3% respectively. Sales at johnlewis.com increased by 53.6%.
- Jessops have reported a 3% increase in sales to £236.8m for the year ending 01 January 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 1.3% for the same period. (Source: Retail Week)
- The Fragrance Shop have reported a 23% increase in sales to £70.4m for the year ending 31 March 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 9% for the same period. (Source: Retail Week)
- Waitrose have reported a 19.8% increase in sales (including petrol) for the week to 02 June 2012.
Despite displaying some signs of improvement non- fashion achieved slightly disappointing results with sales only slightly ahead. Although some stores did witness a significant uplift on the back of the Jubilee this positive picture was by no means universal.
Fashion increased by near double-digit levels for a second consecutive week. The warm weather at the start of the week continued to encourage sales of seasonal ranges, while promotions also helped boost demand. Mixed trading patterns occurred across homewares with small ticket items selling relatively strongly, especially within textiles, while demand for other big ticket items was more muted.
Continuing the recent trend sales made through non-store channels was higher than normal largely due to strong sales of summer clothing.
Clothing, Footwear & Accessories
- Aurora Fashions have announced that they are to close their 11 Oasis and Warehouse concessions in the Vroom and Dreesmann department stores based in the Netherlands. The company have plans to launch a multi-brand local language e-commerce site in September 2012.
- It is reported that Asos have used augmented reality technology throughout their July catalogue enabling customers to access video links via their mobile devices. (Source: Retail Week)
- It has been reported that Rob Bostock has resigned as Head of eCommerce at The Dune Group. Kate Smyth, formerly eCommerce Director at LK Bennett, has been appointed as eCommerce consultant on a contract basis. (Source: Drapers)
- H&M have announced that they are to launch two pop-up sportswear shops in London in July, for a ten week period.
- It is reported that Harrods have announced a collaberationl with Disney to showcase a glamorous take on Disneys fairytale princesses this Christmas. (Source: Retail Week)
- Harvey Nicholas have announced plans to introduce classic luxury ready-to-wear brands across all categories, for the first time. They are to introduce classic elegance brands including Chanel and Dior to cater for customers demand from emerging economies such as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
- It is reported that New Look are using augmented reality to supplement a new 1950s clothing range, providing behind the scenes videos from the campaign photoshoot.
Electrical & Entertainment
- It is reported that Cecil Jacobs have entered into administration. (Source: The Guardian)
- It is reported that Griffin Technology, a US based consumer electronics manufacturer, have opened their first retail store in London’s Westfield Stratford City shopping centre. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that Lakeshore Lending Ltd, a subsidiary of American Greetings have acquired 397 stores of Clinton Cards, securing 4,500 jobs. (Source: Retail Week)
Food & Drink
- BrewDog,the Scottish brewer, have announced plans to recruit 40 new members of staff, start a graduate recruitment programme, complete a new £8m low-carbon craft brewing facility and open three new craft beer bars over the next three months. (Source: The Drinks Business)
- The Co-operative Group has confirmed its distribution centre in Wellington, Somerset, will close in November, followed by Portbury, Bristol, in April 2013. (Source: The Grocer)
- Sara Lee has unveiled that their meat products and foodservice business will be rebranded Hillshire Brands from 28 June 2012. Sara Lee Foodservice will continue to trade under its current name. (Source: The Grocer)
Household
- CSL Sofas have launched a smartphone application to allow their customers to view their 12,000 products and locate their stores.
- It has been reported that Dominic Evans has resigned from his role as Chief Financial Officer at Vision Express and will be replaced by Simon Hope, effective 09 July 2012. (Source: Retail Week)
- Wickes have announced plans to invest £10m to introduce an Everyday Low Prices strategy and close their loyalty card scheme. (Source: Retail Week)
- It has been reported that Stuart Mitchell has resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Wilkinson. (Source: Retail Week)
Courtesy of ‘The Thinker‘
