Catalogues are helping apparel retailer Alexon
grow its multichannel business. The company entered the catalogue
market in March via wholesale partners and a joint venture with
multicatalogue group Scotts & Co, with the aim
of reaching a more mature customer. The trial launch incorporated
ranges from Eastex, Dash and
Alexon and was presented to customers via a
catalogue called Prelude. Although sales are
small, they exceeded initial expectations, said a company
statement. Alexon will now grow the catalogue as a sales channel
for the business’s classic brands.
To further accelerate its multichannel strategy and support its
online business-which more than doubled in the 22 weeks to 2nd
July-Alexon has begun a systems overhaul starting with the
installation of a new warehousing system. Overall trading at
Alexon remains tough, with group like-for-like sales for the
period up a scant 0.9 percent. Alexon also says it’s looking at
new financing options to allow it to invest in its turnaround
strategy.
Homeform, which trades as Moben
Kitchens, Dolphin Bathrooms,
Sharps Bedrooms and Kitchens
Direct, has been put into administration. Its Sharps
Bedrooms division was acquired in a pre-packed agreement to
Sharps Bedrooms Limited, a company controlled by Homeform’s
former backer Sun Capital.
Facebook and Skype have
partnered to allow users to video chat from the social network.
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