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Ironmongery Direct secures funding for expansion
Ironmongery Direct, a supplier of fixings and hardware, is moving to new premises at Scimitar Park in Basildon, Essex after securing a seven-figure financing deal with Santander Corporate Banking. The new 50,000 sq ft premises will enable the company to centralise stock in one location, enhancing efficiency as well as improving its next-day delivery service.
Alexon confirms takeover talks
Alexon has revised its expectations and issued a profits warning after it recorded worse than anticipated sales during August. The apparel retailer also confirmed that it is in talks with “more than one party” about the sale of the company. It adds, however, that this is just one of a number of options being considered. Alexon entered into a joint venture with Scotts & Co last year to launch an apparel catalogue called Prelude.
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Sales soar at Superdry
SuperGroup, owner of the Superdry apparel brand, reports that sales in the three months to 31 July 2011 rose 66 percent to £54 million. Retail sales were up 51 percent to £34 million, with all channels showing growth.
Profits melt at Thorntons
Pretax profit at confectioner Thorntons fell 38 percent from £6.9 million in 2010 to £4.3 million in the year to 25th June. Sales rose a scant 1.7 percent to £218.3 million. At Thorntons’ online arm, Thorntons Direct, sales grew 4.3 percent to £9.6 million.
Dixons reports sales drop
Total group sales at electricals retailer Dixons Retail slumped 7 percent on a like-for-like basis in the 12 weeks to 23rd July against strong comparables such as the football World Cup and the launch of the iPad. However, in a statement, the company said its UK operations performed in line with expectations and that it has identified an “additional £10 million of cost savings” totalling a £60 million saving in the current financial year.
Zara opens US online shop
Fashion brand Zara has opened its US online shop. Zara.com is offering free shipping to all 50 states selling the full women’s, men’s and children’s clothing ranges. It is also operating a click and collect service, allowing customers to pick up their orders from a store of their choice. Zara launched its apparel website in the UK last September.
From flicks to bricks at Simply Be
Plus-size apparel cataloguer Simply Be will open its first bricks and mortar store this month, in Liverpool. Another store, in Bury, will open in October.
Supplier Awards Networking Party
Enjoy an informal drink and canapes and share news and experiences with more than 500 executives from the direct commerce sector. The evening's special event, the awards presentation, will take place on 30th November at the Business Design Centre, before the assembled crowd. Tickets start from £20+vat per person. To book or for further info click here, or contact Rhi Leeds on +44 (0)1271 866112 / rhi@ecmod.com. To thank your suppliers for their second-to-none service, nominate them by completing this form.
Print Master Class
To learn more about maximising your print ROI and how to perform your own print purchasing audit, book your place to attend the Print Master Class. Led by print procurement consultants Blue Buffalo, the event has an option of 6 dates, the next one being on 5th October. Rates start at £295 per person, with discounts for members of CatEx DCA. Contact Jenny Squire for more details on how to book on 01271 866112 or email jenny@ecmod.com.
August Catalogue Log
This September, Direct Commerce launches its new Because Print Works initiative. The campaign’s aim is to ensure that print catalogues, inserts, press and magazine advertising and customer magazines get the full attention and credit they deserve as vital components in the marketing mix for successful multichannel businesses. Happily, to coincide with the launch, last month’s catalogue volume was the highest it’s been for the month of August since we began writing the Catalogue Log. Read more here…
Coming up in Direct Commerce
The September issue lands on desks this week. If you’re a subscriber, you can look forward to a focus on m-commerce—including advice on preparing a mobile strategy, considerations regarding mobile payments and fraud, best-practice ideas for mobile site optimisation, and much more. You will also find out more on our new Because Print Works campaign, as well as enjoy all our regular columns including Direct Operations, Q&A with… and Website Review.
Remember, the only way to read Direct Commerce from cover to cover each month is to subscribe. A one-year subscription also gives you full access to the www.catalog-biz.com website and an archive of past issues. To have the print edition of Direct Commerce magazine delivered to you, or to set up an online-only subscription, contact Jill Sweet on 01271 866112 or subs@catalog-biz.com or visit our website, www.catalog-biz.com/subscribe.asp.
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Click here to nominate your suppliers
Direct Marketing Director
A key senior management role, responsible for all aspects of direct marketing activity for three gardening brands, managing and developing a team to exploit the full potential of multi-channel marketing. Responsibilities also include the management of an in-house design studio and contact centre.
Relevant and proven management ability and strong analytical skills are essential, with a good knowledge of database management, print and mailing processes, website and e-commerce operations. Knowledge of the garden products industry useful but not essential.
Visit www.suttons.com for a full job description. To apply send a CV and covering letter to dawn.sylvester@suttons.co.uk
Marketing & eCommerce Director
London – Multi-Channel Fashion business
Six figure salary + bonus + benefits
While other businesses are suffering our retained client is enjoying steading growth. This niche business is now seeking a dynamic and accomplished individual for this outstanding management board position which reports to the Chief Executive.
With full P&L responsibility for direct channels, currently accounting for 65 per cent of sales, the remit spans brand, retail store, direct catalogue and web marketing, for the UK and international markets. Together with ownership of all ecommerce development activity and management of a 15 strong team. An indisputable ability to deliver profitable business growth and get the very best from the entire marketing team and its external suppliers is essential. Applicants will have extensive experience in all channels to market, ideally gained in the fashion sector, and will most specifically be able to demonstrate ability to optimise ecommerce performance.
Full CVs only please with covering note and week day/weekend contact details in full confidence to jane@expertregister.net
Closing date 16th September 2011.
Expert register is a trading division of Synergy Partnership Ltd.
Marketing & Copy Executive
East Anglia - Gardening sector
Salary c.£27.5k
If you are adept at producing and optimising e-commerce and email mail marketing content, producing excellent catalogue and external communications copy, this role offers fantastic scope. You will already have experience in the gardening sector or be a very seriously keen amateur gardener who has gained experience in other sectors. You must be commercially astute and able to manage third party suppliers. You will also be keen to join and work with a great award winning team. Full CV please to jane@expertregister.net
eCommerce Consultants
We have several briefs in hand for fully skilled independent eCommerce professionals (with previous successful client side experience) who can thoroughly evaluate our retained clients’ complete online business channel activities. Reporting on strategy, execution, performance, people – you’ll be able to produce meaningful, realistic and actionable forward plans.
Further briefs are beginning to come in now after the summer break. We welcome seriously good independent consultants and interims who are seeking additional assignments to submit their resumes. As you would expect our fees are paid direct by client companies upon successful placement. All initial enquiries to Jane Revell-Higgins will be treated in complete confidence - email jane@expertregister.net
Expert register is a trading division of Synergy Partnership Ltd..
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Jobs
Each week we offer companies or individuals the opportunity to advertise their situations vacant. When you are in the market to recruit skilled permanent and interim personnel you need to be sure that your requirement reaches the cream of experienced candidates. With CataloguesCatalogues you can most definitely achieve that, as many reader businesses will attest, at unbelievably low rates. Click here for the latest rates or call us on 01271 866112.
Are you looking for a new challenge? Advertise in CataloguesCatalogues Talent Shop and you will reach the desktops of thousands of potential employers in the catalogue and home shopping sector. The service is completely free of charge and includes a free confidential reply email address if required.
To place your own advert in Talent Shop, email your 30 word profile to info@ecmod.com and it will appear in the next available issue.
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