Catalogue and internet group N Brown said sales have jumped in the past 10 weeks as fashion sales improved amid better weather conditions.
Total group revenue increased 8 per cent while like-for-like sales increased 7.8 per cent, excluding newly opened stores. The group has begun opening small numbers of stores to better promote brands and capitalise on cheap high street rents.
'Ladieswear revenue has recovered as the weather has improved, and we continue to see strong growth from menswear and footwear. Home and gift’s sales momentum is continuing and it remains our fastest growing product category,' said chairman Andrew Higginson.
'The key brands targeted at customers aged under 50 years old - Simply Be, Fashion World and Jacamo, all delivered good growth,' he said.
Analysts at Cantor said the figures were ahead of City expectations.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Currys And PC World Allow Shoppers To Download Software For The First Time
Electrical group Dixons Retail will sell downloadable software through its Currys and PC World web sites for the first time this week.
The group says it is the first time a multichannel retailer will offer software from Microsoft, Adobe and McAfee as downloads as well as in stores.
Suitable products will be flagged with an 'available to download' mark, will be added to the shopping basket in the normal way and then available to download in three steps.
'Currys and PC World have seen a big rise in consumer demand for digital software solutions and by providing an online solution for software downloads, will make it much easier for customers to get the software they need wherever they need it,' Dixons Retail said in a statement.
'In addition, customers will no longer need to worry about losing their software - once downloaded, it remains accessible online throughout their customer account,' it said.
The group says it is the first time a multichannel retailer will offer software from Microsoft, Adobe and McAfee as downloads as well as in stores.
Suitable products will be flagged with an 'available to download' mark, will be added to the shopping basket in the normal way and then available to download in three steps.
'Currys and PC World have seen a big rise in consumer demand for digital software solutions and by providing an online solution for software downloads, will make it much easier for customers to get the software they need wherever they need it,' Dixons Retail said in a statement.
'In addition, customers will no longer need to worry about losing their software - once downloaded, it remains accessible online throughout their customer account,' it said.
UK Book Buyers Shun Amazon Following Tax Revelations, Claims Survey
Shoppers are turning their backs on internet booksellers such as Amazon after a torrent of negative coverage in the media about tax avoidance, according to research.
The survey for The Booksellers Association found six out of ten shoppers claimed they were less likely to buy books online as a result of the revelations.
Of 2,045 book buyers surveyed by Censuswide for Independent Bookshops Week, 83 per cent said they continued to buy books in bookshops and two thirds of them wanted to pick up a book before they purchased it.
However, two-thirds admitted to 'showrooming' and browsed to find what they wanted in store before buying online.
According to the Times newspaper, the number of independent bookshops has fallen by a third to just over 1,000 since 2005 and the total number of outlets encompassed by The Booksellers Association fell from 4,000 to 3,580.
The survey for The Booksellers Association found six out of ten shoppers claimed they were less likely to buy books online as a result of the revelations.
Of 2,045 book buyers surveyed by Censuswide for Independent Bookshops Week, 83 per cent said they continued to buy books in bookshops and two thirds of them wanted to pick up a book before they purchased it.
However, two-thirds admitted to 'showrooming' and browsed to find what they wanted in store before buying online.
According to the Times newspaper, the number of independent bookshops has fallen by a third to just over 1,000 since 2005 and the total number of outlets encompassed by The Booksellers Association fell from 4,000 to 3,580.
Monday, 1 July 2013
Improved Site For Autumn, Says New Look's Dan West
Fashion giant New Look is planning to relaunch its internet site this Autumn with a series of improvements to capitalise on its recent rapid online growth.
Chief information officer Dan West told Computer Weekly he wants to offer 'an omnichannel, seamless, retail experience between online and in-store' to make the chain a 'true multichannel retailer.'
The retailer has already introduced click and collect and a more recently a service allowing shoppers to order in store.
West said: 'In the next few months, we will have an improved customer experience online, more payment channels, greater personalisation and a much better mobile commerce capability.'
Chief information officer Dan West told Computer Weekly he wants to offer 'an omnichannel, seamless, retail experience between online and in-store' to make the chain a 'true multichannel retailer.'
The retailer has already introduced click and collect and a more recently a service allowing shoppers to order in store.
West said: 'In the next few months, we will have an improved customer experience online, more payment channels, greater personalisation and a much better mobile commerce capability.'
Tesco Launches Food Delivery In Shanghai
Supermarket giant Tesco has announced plans to launch an online food delivery service in China for the first time later this year.
The launch puts Tesco in direct competition with US rival Wal-Mart which has had a 51 per cent stake in grocery delivery firm Yihaodian since last year. Tesco's service will initially only be available in Shanghai and stores will deliver free to customer homes.
The Shanghai trial could be extended to as many as 50 other Chinese cities if it proves successful.
'Tesco China's online shopping service will enhance our role as a multichannel retailer and provide a better shopping experience for customer in the digital age with an integrated retailing service,' said Tesco China CEO Paul Ritchie.
Tesco first foray online in China was in late 2011 when it began selling mother and baby products on Taobao's Tmall web site. It first opened stores in China in 2004 and has around 130. However, it has begun selectively closing stores as it seeks to curb loss-making parts of its international businesses.
The launch puts Tesco in direct competition with US rival Wal-Mart which has had a 51 per cent stake in grocery delivery firm Yihaodian since last year. Tesco's service will initially only be available in Shanghai and stores will deliver free to customer homes.
The Shanghai trial could be extended to as many as 50 other Chinese cities if it proves successful.
'Tesco China's online shopping service will enhance our role as a multichannel retailer and provide a better shopping experience for customer in the digital age with an integrated retailing service,' said Tesco China CEO Paul Ritchie.
Tesco first foray online in China was in late 2011 when it began selling mother and baby products on Taobao's Tmall web site. It first opened stores in China in 2004 and has around 130. However, it has begun selectively closing stores as it seeks to curb loss-making parts of its international businesses.
Ebay Takes On Asos With Plan For UK Fashion Site
Internet giant Ebay is preparing to launch a full-priced fashion web site next year that will offer key UK high street brands.
The site is scheduled to launch in Spring although it is not yet clear whether how closely it will be linked to eBay's main site.
According to fashion industry magazine Drapers' web site, eBay has held talks with fashions chains Reiss, Karen Millen, and designer brand Marc Jacobs. Ebay Didn't comment on the story.
Details such as payment terms are still being negotiated. But it will apparently be 'content rich' and will be initially designed for mobile and then broadened to include other devices.
It follows attempts by rival Amazon to step up its fashion credentials in the UK and Europe over the past two years with only mixed success so far.
The site is scheduled to launch in Spring although it is not yet clear whether how closely it will be linked to eBay's main site.
According to fashion industry magazine Drapers' web site, eBay has held talks with fashions chains Reiss, Karen Millen, and designer brand Marc Jacobs. Ebay Didn't comment on the story.
Details such as payment terms are still being negotiated. But it will apparently be 'content rich' and will be initially designed for mobile and then broadened to include other devices.
It follows attempts by rival Amazon to step up its fashion credentials in the UK and Europe over the past two years with only mixed success so far.
Coast, Oasis and Warehouse To Introduce iPads Across Europe
The Aurora fashion group plans to introduce wi-fi technology to all its UK and European stores to enable staff to use iPads and encourage customers to browse the internet.
The group, which owns Coast, Oasis and Warehouse, has implemented Vodat International technology to put a wi-fi network into its stores. It has been working with Retail Assist for the past two years and has introduced iPads into around 60 stores.
It will add wi-fi to another 50 stores by the end of the year and encourage staff to use them as mobile point of sale devices, internet browers to allow customers to shop extended ranges online using iPads or their smartphones and it will also mount iPads in changing rooms to deliver interactive marketing messages and product information.
'The use of mobile technology in a retail environment has become a critical part of the multichannel journey' said Richard Glanville, chief financial officer at Aurora Fashions.
'Being one of the few fashion retailers to not just adopt iPad technology but push the boundaries in terms of service delivered, demonstrates our innovation and ability to deploy solutions quickly - adding value for our customers in a competitive market.'
The group, which owns Coast, Oasis and Warehouse, has implemented Vodat International technology to put a wi-fi network into its stores. It has been working with Retail Assist for the past two years and has introduced iPads into around 60 stores.
It will add wi-fi to another 50 stores by the end of the year and encourage staff to use them as mobile point of sale devices, internet browers to allow customers to shop extended ranges online using iPads or their smartphones and it will also mount iPads in changing rooms to deliver interactive marketing messages and product information.
'The use of mobile technology in a retail environment has become a critical part of the multichannel journey' said Richard Glanville, chief financial officer at Aurora Fashions.
'Being one of the few fashion retailers to not just adopt iPad technology but push the boundaries in terms of service delivered, demonstrates our innovation and ability to deploy solutions quickly - adding value for our customers in a competitive market.'
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Ocado Expected to Reveal Losses This Week
The online food delivery firm Ocado is expected to post losses this week despite a landmark deal with supermarket Morrisons that investors hope will be a turning point for the business.
Analysts believe the business will make a loss of £2.3 million in the first-half to May 19 after managing to make a profit in the same period for the past two years. Last year it made £1.8 million in the first-half but a full-year loss of £600,000.
Sales, including vouchers, are expected to have increased by 15 per cent to £382 million in the 24 weeks.
Last month it signed a £170 million, 25-year distribution deal with supermarket Morrisons. The Bradford-based chain will take over Ocado's second distribution centre in the Midlands which opened earlier this year.
The deal angered existing partner Waitrose but it boosted the share price and inspired investors who believe that Ocado may have similar deals in the pipeline. The firms has been linked to investment deals and partnerships with firms such as Amazon, France's Carrefour and Marks & Spencer.
Analysts believe the business will make a loss of £2.3 million in the first-half to May 19 after managing to make a profit in the same period for the past two years. Last year it made £1.8 million in the first-half but a full-year loss of £600,000.
Sales, including vouchers, are expected to have increased by 15 per cent to £382 million in the 24 weeks.
Last month it signed a £170 million, 25-year distribution deal with supermarket Morrisons. The Bradford-based chain will take over Ocado's second distribution centre in the Midlands which opened earlier this year.
The deal angered existing partner Waitrose but it boosted the share price and inspired investors who believe that Ocado may have similar deals in the pipeline. The firms has been linked to investment deals and partnerships with firms such as Amazon, France's Carrefour and Marks & Spencer.
Glasses Direct Eyes £100 Million Stockmarket Float
The owner of internet delivery firm Glasses Direct has appointed advisers to look at options that could include floating shares on the London Stock Exchange.
The MyOptique group has appointed specialist technology advisers GP Bullhound to look at future strategic and fundraising options, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
The advisory firm is among the most active in the digital sector and also worked on deals including the sale of music streaming service We7 to Tesco and Figleaves to N Brown in 2010, the report said. It includes former UBM chief executive Lord Hollick among its partners.
Glasses Direct was founded by Jamie Murray Wells in 2004 while still at university. It has already raised £32 million from a series of funding rounds that have included Index Ventures and Highland Capital Partners.
The MyOptique group has appointed specialist technology advisers GP Bullhound to look at future strategic and fundraising options, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
The advisory firm is among the most active in the digital sector and also worked on deals including the sale of music streaming service We7 to Tesco and Figleaves to N Brown in 2010, the report said. It includes former UBM chief executive Lord Hollick among its partners.
Glasses Direct was founded by Jamie Murray Wells in 2004 while still at university. It has already raised £32 million from a series of funding rounds that have included Index Ventures and Highland Capital Partners.
Saturday, 29 June 2013
Report: Why Shoppers Aren't Buying On Smartphones
Screen size and security concerns have been highlighted as two of the main barriers to the growth in mobile commerce.
The issues mean that while consumers are increasingly using mobile for research the main purchase is being made on a desktop, laptop or tablet.
According to UK research firm Econsultancy, studies suggest that mobile traffic and search volumes are likely to overtake desktop in the next 12 months. However, 64 per cent of smartphone owners who don't use mobile commerce say they simply prefer shopping online using PCs or tablets.
The next biggest concern was the size of the screen, cited by 41 per cent of respondents, followed by 39 per cent with security concerns.
The issues mean that while consumers are increasingly using mobile for research the main purchase is being made on a desktop, laptop or tablet.
According to UK research firm Econsultancy, studies suggest that mobile traffic and search volumes are likely to overtake desktop in the next 12 months. However, 64 per cent of smartphone owners who don't use mobile commerce say they simply prefer shopping online using PCs or tablets.
The next biggest concern was the size of the screen, cited by 41 per cent of respondents, followed by 39 per cent with security concerns.
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