What’s happening in retail & with brands – trends for week ending 6th July 2012

Company Results

- Dunelm have reported a 12.1% increase in sales to £603.7m for the 52 weeks to 30 June 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 3.1% for the same period.
- Holland & Barrett have reported an 11.7% increase in sales to £307.8m for the year to 30 September 2011. Pre-tax profit increased by 19.4% to £60m for the same period. (Source: Retail Week)
- John Lewis have reported a 17.0% increase in sales (including VAT) for the week to 30 June 2012. Fashion, Electricals & Home Technology and Home sales increased by 12.8%, 30.8% and 11.9% respectively. Sales at johnlewis.com increased by 28.4%.
- Linley have reported a 20% increase in sales to £7m for the year to June 2011. Like-for-like sales and e-commerce sales increased by 25% and 70% respectively for the same period. (Source: The Independent)
- N. Brown have reported a 2.5% increase in sales for the 17 weeks to 30 June 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 1.9% for the same period.

- OKA Direct have reported a 17% increase in sales during 2011. (Source: Retail Bulletin)
- Poundland have reported a 21.6% increase in sales to £780m for the 53 weeks to 01 April 2012. Like-for-like sales increased by 2.3% for the same period.
- Savers have reported an 11% increase in sales to £189m for the year to 31 December 2011. (Source: IGD Retail)
- Topps Tiles have reported a 2.1% increase in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks to 30 June 2012. (Source: Retail Week)
- Waitrose have reported a 3.2% increase in sales (including petrol) for the week to 30 June 2012.
- Whole Foods Market have reported a 9.3% increase in UK sales to £50.6m for the year to 25 September 2011. (Source: Retail Week)

Non-fashion had an excellent week on the back of exceptional results from luxury. Demand for leisure and entertainment goods was also strong, as was general household goods.

Fashion continued to disappoint with sales falling for a third week in a row. Although some stores achieved strong gains helped by promotions and summer discounting, this masked some poor individual results.

The bad run across homewares continued with sales falling at a fairly rapid rate. Demand for textiles and furniture was especially weak.

Non-store growth moderated but remained strong with above average growth across non-fashion.

Clothing, Footwear & Accessories

- It is reported that Cath Kidston have appointed Neil Harrington to the role of Chief Financial Officer.
- Debenhams have announced plans that they are to launch a ‘next day delivery’ service during 2013. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that German shopping group Otto, which owns Freemans and Grattan, have plans to launch the autumn/winter collection of Madonna’s clothing line ‘Material Girl’ in the UK, from September 2012. (Source: Fashion United)

- Gieves & Hawkes have appointed Mark Henderson as Non-Executive Chairman of the business.
- Nike teamed with Cellar Door favourite and London rapper Tinie Tempah and his clothing line ‘Disturbing London‘ to create a special edition of their Nike Blazer trainers.

- It is reported that Gio Goi have closed their three retail stores and are to focus on their wholesale business. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Harvey Nichols have appointed Paula Reed as their new Group Fashion Director, effective September 2012. (Source: Drapers)
- N. Brown have appointed Andrew Higginson as their new Chairman replacing Lord Alliance, effective September 2012. Alan White has announced that he is to step down as Chief Executive in the second half of 2013. (Source: Financial Times)

Electrical & Entertainment

- It is reported that American Greetings have plans to invest £12.7m in Clinton Cards over the next 18-24 months. (Source: Retail Week)
- It is reported that Maplin have plans to invest £40m in next three and a half years into projects such as multichannel development and new stores. (Source: Retail Week)

Food & Drink

- Booker Group have acquired Makro UK cash and carry business from Metro Group.
- It has been reported that Ewan Venters has joined Fortnum & Mason as their new Chief Executive replacing Beverley Aspinall, effective August 2012. (Source: Retail Bulletin)

- Iceland have launched a customer feedback programme called ‘My Iceland’ and are encouraging shoppers to rate their experience on categories such as staff friendliness and store cleanliness.
- It is reported that Julian Graves have entered into administration. Deloitte have been appointed as administrator. (Source: Financial Times)
- It is reported that Tesco have launched a four week trial campaign called ‘Share & Earn’ to encourage customers share their products on social networks and earn double reward points. (Source: Retail Week)
- Waitrose have announced plans to donate surplus food to UK charities by the end of 2012, in order to divert 100% of their food waste from landfill. (Source: Retail Bulletin)

Household

- It has been reported that Ken Reeve has joined Blacks as their new Managing Director, effective 01 November 2012.
- It has been reported that Karen Witts has joined Kingfisher as their new Group Finance Director, effective October 2012. (Source: Reuters)
- It is reported that Kingfisher have launched an international graduate programme to train young talent into commercial roles.
- It is reported that Poundland have donated over £30,000 to Cancer Research Wales. The funds have been raised from the sale of plastic carrier bags in Wales, where legislation requires retailers to charge 5p for every plastic carrier bag sold.

Courtesy of ‘The Thinker‘