What’s happening in retail & with brands – trends for week ending 15th June 2012
Company Results
- Findel have reported an increase in sales to £537.8m from £532.6m for the 52 weeks to 30 March 2012. Pre-tax profit increased to £10.7m from £7.0m for the same period.
- JD Sports have reported a 1.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the 19 weeks to 09 June 2012.
- John Lewis have reported an 18.1% increase in sales (including VAT) for the week to 09 June 2012. Fashion, Electricals & Home Technology and Home sales increased by 3.9%, 46.6% and 13.6% respectively. Sales at johnlewis.com increased by 47.2%.
- Laura Ashley have reported a 4.1% increase in UK retail sales for the 18 weeks to 02 June 2012. Like-for-like sales and ecommerce sales increased by 5.4% and 18.8% respectively for the same period.
- Mulberry have reported a 38% increase in total sales to £168.5m for the year to 31 March 2012. Retail sales increased by 36% to £99.7m and like-for-like sales increased by 26% for the same period.
- Sainsbury have reported a 3.6% increase in sales for the 12 weeks to 09 June 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 1.4% for the same period.
- Ted Baker have reported a 14.6% increase in Group sales for the 19 weeks to 09 June 2012. Retail sales increased by 16.2% for the same period.
- Tesco have reported a 2.2% increase in Group sales (including petrol) for the 13 weeks to 26 May 2012. UK sales (including petrol) increased by 2.1% and like-for-like sales (including petrol) decreased by 1.1% for the same period.
- Waitrose have reported a 2.3% increase in sales (including petrol) for the week to 09 June 2012.
- WH Smith have reported a 1% decrease in sales for the 15 weeks to 09 June 2012. Like-for-like sales declined by 3% for the same period. .
Non-fashion enjoyed a strong week on the back of gift buying related to the Jubilee. Demand for small ticket entertainment goods also notably improved. Fashion witnessed a slowdown in growth with takings only just ahead. The extended Jubilee Bank Holiday produced mixed fortunes, while the wet weather negatively impacted seasonal demand.
Against strong comparisons, homewares endured its worst week for almost six months. Demand dropped in all categories with only cookware bucking the trend.
Sales made through non- store channels rose at a slower than normal rate with fashion sales especially weak.
Clothing, Footwear & Accessories
- It has been reported that Joanna Sykes has resigned as the Design Director of Aquascutum, and will leave her role at the end of this month. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that George at Asda have opened a standalone pop-up shop at Graduate Fashion Week in Earls Court to display their summer and swimwear collections. (Source: Retail Week)
- Debenhams have announced the launch of a free wifi service across their 167 stores, to enable customers to use their smartphones to check for sizes and availability, and to place orders.
- H&M have plans to launch a clothing and accessories range in collaboration with French fashion house Maison Martin Margiela, on 15 November 2012. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Jigsaw have appointed Barbara Horspool as their Creative Director. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Liberty London have plans to open a series of pop-up stores across the UK for the Christmas shopping period. (Source: The Independent)
- M&S have plans to launch an in-store bank and current account by July 2012, in collaboration with HSBC. They have plans to open a total of 50 branches during the next two years, creating around 500 new jobs by the end of 2013. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that Topshop have appointed Justin Cooke as their new Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 2012. (Source: Marketing Week)
Electrical & Entertainment
- Dixons have announced the development of their Goji Tinchy Stryder: On Cloud 9 collection of products, in collaboration with Rap star Tinchy Stryder. The range will be available from Currys and PC World next month. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that Ebay have appointed Amanda Metcalfe as their new Marketing Director of the UK and Republic of Ireland.
- It is reported that Tesco have acquired a 91% stake in WE7, a free-to-listen, personalised internet radio service for £10.8m. (Source: Reuters)
Food & Drink
- It is reported that Costcutters former IT director Kevin Widdrington has re-joined the company. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- Majestic Wine have reduced their minimum online order requirement for delivery from 12 bottles to six. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that Morrisons are trialling a coupon at till scheme to offer blanket money off deals in up to 10 of their North Eastern stores until the end of this summer. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Peters Bakery have entered into administration. KPMG have been appointed as administrators. (Source: The Independent)
- Tesco have announced plans to open their first joint store with gardening centre arm, Dobbies. The £8m garden centre will include a restaurant and a Farm Food Hall offering locally sourced produce. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Tesco have launched a new online portal, Tesco Connect, to help their suppliers identify product trends, prepare for upcoming promotions and respond quickly to changes in customer demand. (Source: Marketing Week)
Household
- It is reported that Allders have entered into administration. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Halfords have plans to start fast delivery options, including Shutl, in certain product categories, for customers making distress purchases. (Source: Retail Week)
- Harvey Nichols have announced plans to expand their ecommerce team by the end of the summer. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Morrisons have appointed Sienne Veit as their new digital lead for general merchandise and their Kiddicare business. (Source: Marketing Week)
- It is reported that QD Stores have acquired a new site at Towcester in Northamptonshire and have plans to double the number of garden centres operated by their Cherry Lane subsidiary by 2015. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- It is reported that Sainsburys have acquired a 64% stake in ebook retailer Anobii for £1 from HMV. (Source: Financial Times)
- It is reported that Topps Tiles is to open their new flagship store in Milton Keynes on Saturday. – It will be the first to feature an Inspiration Centre; a seated consultation space where customers can receive advice and ongoing support for their redecoration projects. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
Courtesy of ‘The Thinker‘
