Catalogues Catalogues Newsletter - Issue 307

Tesco in online fashion offensive

Tesco is to launch a new clothing website in a bid to win business from its competitors. It’s previous online effort clothingattesco was sidelined last year and converted from a transactional to a browsing site. Its new site will, however, be fully transactional and offer Tesco brands including Cherokee, Florence & Fred and Elspeth Gibson.

Dawson swoops on MFI stock

The entire stock of MFI which had been valued at c£68 million was acquired by Chris Dawson, the south west entrepreneur who founded The Range Home, Garden & Leisure. The stock which filled more than 2000 articulated trucks will be sold by Dawson from 20 stores in the greater London area as well as online at mfistock with an additional site mfiparts offering fittings and components.

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Sofa Workshop bought back by its founder

A consortium called Erewash Upholstery Ltd, led by Sofa Workshop’s original founder Andrew Cussins, has bought ten of the stores from the administrators, saving 50 jobs. The new business will complete current customer orders and operate as a smaller chain with a transactional website and mail order operation. The remaining 20 stores and the Sofa Workshop head office have been closed. Cussins had sold the then profitable Sofa Workshop to MFI in 2002 who sold it to New Heights in 2006.

The White Company holds its own

The White Company posted a 14 per cent increase in its sales for the 10 weeks to December 27th. It had returned sales of £69.9 million for the year to March 29 2008, with onlines sales accounting for 32 per cent.

Woolworths returns online

Shop Direct has acquired the rights to the Woolworths name along with its Ladybird childrenswear brand from administrators Deloitte. It is being mooted that the deal produced around £5 million. Shop Direct will initially trade Woolworths as a purely online operation. Meanwhile concerned Woolworths creditors are pressing for an enquiry into whether its directors traded the Company while it was insolvent. The secured lenders of the failed business which collapsed owing more than £1.4 billion are expected to be paid all that is owed to them, leaving suppliers and staff unlikely to receive anything.

Flying Brands management under fire

The announcement by Flying Brands that its full year profit would be £500,000 shy of expectations has prompted Sir Tom Hunter to take a more active role in the business. Last November Hunter’s West Coast Capital which has a 29.9 per cent stake in Flying Brands curtailed takeover talks. Market watchers expect he will rally other shareholders to vote to remove certain board members and drive a restructuring of the business.

St Ives reduces headcount

Print group St Ives has issued a profit warning and is entering consultation with employees with a view to cutting some 170 jobs. Its web vision which prints catalogues and magazines will bear the brunt of the losses.

ECMOD Awards more important than ever

When times get tough, the tough certainly get going and this past year has been a difficult one for many businesses. Yet far from being all doom and gloom, many businesses have performed fantastically well and have a great deal to be proud of. This is one reason why, as organisers of the ECMOD Awards, we anticipate that entry levels will skyrocket. There is nothing to match the thrill of winning and nothing better than being judged to be the best by true sector experts. Entry is free this year too so please don’t delay, download your entry form and get cracking with your submission.

Catalogue Exchange online conference update

The inimitable Amy Africa joins forces with SEO expert Stephan Spencer for a day of outstanding focus on all issues web on 2nd April. Taking place at the venue which is playing host during the evening to the ECMOD Awards, many members have already reserved their seats for both events. To attend the Catalogue Exchange conference is just £135 for delegates from member companies and to take part in both this and the ECMOD Awards evening will cost Catalogue Exchange members just £300. Call 01271 855545 for all the information you need to book.