Catalogues Catalogues Newsletter - Issue 305

Bumper results for ASOS

ASOS has reported that its sales for the nine weeks to January 16th were up by 118 per cent with sales for the 42 weeks to January 16th coming in at 108 per cent. The business now claims 1.2 million active customers and attributes part of its performance to its free delivery offers and product promotions. CEO Nick Robertson commented that he was cautiously optimistic about the outlook for ASOS pointing out that both online sales, in general, and young fashion, in particular, were proving more resilient in the current economic climate. The business expects its full year results to be in line with its Board’s expectations and is pushing ahead with its programme of investments.

Net-a-Porter to launch discount site, My-wardrobe booms

Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet has confirmed that a new site theOutnet.com will launch in April to offer discounted designer goods. The business will step in to buy cancelled orders from high end suppliers and aims to offer its online customers up to 80 per cent discounts on their recommended prices.

“Accessible luxury” company my-wardrobe.com which also specialises in high fashion designer lines boosted its sales from £884,000 in 2007 to £2.56 million for 2008.

Meanwhile News International backed Brand Alley has recruited 600,000 members in its first year. Members receive daily alerts to the latest offers from major designer brands via the service which Brand Alley pitches as a discreet and swift way for upscale fashion houses to sell off overstocks.

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Shoe Shuffle

Shoe Studio is up for sale with Hawkpoint appointed to find a buyer for its 249 store chain which includes Nine West and Pied a Terre. Kurt Guiger has been rumoured to be interested in acquiring the business.

The Cotswold Company heads north

Home furnishings business the Cotswold Company is closing its operation in Gloucestershire and has let a number of its staff go including its managing director Gerald Dawson. The business which is owned by Findel will relocate to its parent company’s premises in the Manchester area.

Empire Direct plc in administration

The directors of Empire Direct plc and its subsidiary company Empire Property (UK) Ltd have appointed Mark Firmin and Richard Fleming of KPMG LLP as administrators. The 25 year old clicks and mortar business had been the UK’s largest independent electrical goods retailer with a turnover of £150 million. All of its 14 retail outlets have been closed and 158 of its 350 employees made redundant with immediate effect.

CDMS acquires Transactis

CDMS has acquired 100 per cent of the shares of Transactis, the data co-operative company founded by former Abacus Direct directors Chris Morris and Tony Lawes. The Transactis team, including Morris and Lawes, will continue to operate from premises in Richmond, Surrey.

Profit warning issued by Flying Brands

Rising costs and shrinking margins have resulted in Flying Brands expectation that its group profits for 2008 will be £500,000 less than forecast, coming in at around £1.4 million.

New chairman for DSG International

John Allan who will step down from his role of chief financial officer for Deutsche Post in June is to chair DSG International. DSG has found it tough going in recent months with like-for-like sales in the 12 weeks to January down by ten per cent.

There’s never been a better time to join The Catalogue Exchange

With an all new website poised to launch, along with a roster of regional networking and training events, The Catalogue Exchange is offering all businesses concrete help and support during these turbulent times. Annual membership enables all of your key people to access an exhaustive library/research centre, engage in online discussion forums and live events, take advantage of special member deals, and gain valuable insights to help them and your business succeed. With client side membership for small businesses (under £1 million sales) offered at just £245 per year; and larger client side businesses paying just £495 – our rates are pegged for another year. Call us on 0871-855545 to discover what you have been missing.

ECMOD Awards tables snapped up

A number of supplier businesses are determined to help their catalogue & home shopping clients shake off the gloom by inviting them to the prestigious annual ECMOD Awards. The closing date for these key Awards is a month away, 20th February, and with entry fees waived the organisers are gearing up to process a record number of entries. “It is time we started to focus on the positive achievements of our sector as many businesses are fully on track and are continuing to build on their strengths,” said Jenny Squire who is coordinating the contest. The ECMOD Awards will be presented to the winners of the 21 categories by a special guest on 2nd April at The Royal Lancaster Hotel. Call 01271 866112 for entry forms and/or further details.