Koert Tulleners was promoted to chief executive of Otto UK, effective 1st September. He joined the multititle mailer, whose brands include Freemans, Grattan and Oli, in 1994 and most recently served as managing director of Otto International in Asia. He replaces Mike Hancox, who announced his resignation in June.

Home goods retailer Dunelm Group has purchased bedding retailer/cataloguer Dorma from Dawson International for £5 million. For the most recent fiscal year, Dorma lost £2.1 million on sales of £44.8 million. Dunelm operates 89 Dunelm Mill stores and a website.

Apparel retailer/cataloguer White Stuff enjoyed a 46-percent rise in sales for the fiscal first quarter ending this month, to £12 million. Like-for-like retail sales rose 15 percent, while online sales soared 78 percent. In part because of this sales uptick, company founders George Treves and Sean Thomas have cancelled their search for outside investors.

Next reported a 2-percent rise in first-half sales for its Directory catalogue and online division. Guidance had been from flat to up 2 percent. Like-for-like full-price store sales were down 6 percent. “We remain very cautious about the outlook for the second half and can see no reason for any improvement in consumer spending; indeed, the economic risks appear to us to be on the downside,” said a company statement.

Online gift registry Wrapit is continuing talks with “our advisers and several possible sources of finance,” according to its website, “and we are still optimistic that we will find the solution to Wrapit's current difficult financial circumstances.” The company is seeking additional funds in hopes of avoiding calling in the administrators. In the meantime, customers have complained to several newspapers of not receiving their wedding-registry gifts for months after their wedding.

The US division of multibrand cataloguer Redcats has sold its “missy” apparel catalogues, including Chadwick’s and Metrostyle, to Monomoy Capital Partners. Redcats USA retains its plus-size apparel, home goods and sporting goods titles.

Argos plans to open up to 40 smaller stores—about 5,000 sq ft—in the London area in the near future. It has been trialling three such stores in London, and their performance is said to have exceeded expectations.

Say thank-you to the suppliers and service providers that have been pivotal to your success by nominating them for an ECMOD Supplier of the Year Award. Sponsored by Catalogue/e-business magazine and announced at the annual ECMOD show, the awards celebrate excellence in seven key categories. You can make nominations in as many or as few categories as you wish, and there’s no cost involved. (Suppliers, you can encourage your clients to nominate you!) For details and an entry form, go to the Catalogue/e-business website at http://www.catalog-biz.com/winners.aspx.

A valuable half day module covering many facets of the print and production process features in this year’s ECMOD conference programme. Chaired by Tony Bishton from Advocus, this session will be held on 1st October, 9am -12.45pm. Our expert speakers will discuss how the latest digital processes bring personalisation up to a new and compelling level that seriously increases response. We will review environmental issues and look at how we can reduce our businesses’ impact by using greener processes and papers. We will look at the range of papers and finishes available today and how can they be exploited to add personality and differentiate brands. Nor can any session on catalogue production be complete without an exploration of the pre-press processes that can ensure near perfect colour reproduction. And we’ll also review what today’s sophisticated print management business can bring to you.

Expert speakers include Dominic Blakey from WWF Paper Sales UK, Patrick Headley from GI Direct, Laura Hall from Direct Wines and Alasdair Gibson from Mohn Media.

Be sure to book your place! It's only £145 per half day per person. Exclusive rates apply for Catalogue Exchange members, group discounts are also available. Please contact Sarah or Jenny on 01271 866112 or alternatively email sarah@ecmod.com Visit www.ecmod.com to find out more about the full conference programme.

Former MD

Former MD of mid-size multi-channel retailer with impressive record of online sales growth, IDM-qualified, looking for exciting permanent, consultancy or interim role.

For further information email: karen@ecmod.com

Interim General Management/Marketing Director

Interim General Management/Marketing Director available for assignments /consultancy. Experienced in start-ups, restructuring, international expansion, team recruitment. Specialised in B2B and customer service focused organisations.

For further information email: karen@ecmod.com

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