British fashion brand Ted Baker, online seller ASOS and multichannel retailer Next are all planning to grow their overseas business this year after experiencing strong demand from international consumers.
Using a mix of retail and eCommerce expansion to expand its global presence, Ted Baker will open its first outlet store in Belgium in July this, with further concessions in Germany, Spain, France and the Netherlands also in the pipeline. In addition, the company plans to open eight concessions in the US this year, as well as its first outlet store in Toronto, Canada later in the year.
To extend its online reach, Ted Baker will go live with a new eCommerce platform in the second half of the fiscal year. The new site will support the company’s planned growth by enabling it to roll out localised websites. Ted Baker’s new website will include personalised content based on the browsing and shopping behaviours specific to each country, including local languages, currencies and delivery options.
The apparel brand recently released its financial results for the year to 26th January, posting an 18 per cent rise in group
revenues to £254.5 million ($387 million) in the year to 26th January. eCommerce sales increased 63.7 per cent to £14.9 million, of which £14.3 million was generated in the UK and Europe.
Also updating investors on its financial performance was British online retailer ASOS, which saw retail sales grow 34 per cent to £352 million ($535 million) in the first half of the year. International sales soared during the period, up 39 per cent to £214.7 million, representing 59 per cent of total retail revenues.
Chief executive Nick Robertson said in a statement that ASOS’ European growth was being driven by a strong performance in those
countries where it has dedicated websites and particularly by its new in-country teams in France and Germany.
To further strengthen its international operation, ASOS revealed it is opening its first office outside of London. The Birmingham office is recruiting for 20 positions, primarily software and database engineers, to create new websites and fuel its global growth plans.
At homewares and apparel chain Next, international online sales grew from £33 million to £54 million ($82 million) and contributed £10 million to profit in the 12 months to January 2013.
In the year ahead Next expects its overseas online business to grow to at least £70 million, adding a further £4 million to profit. To achieve this, Next has earmarked investment for growth in the online channel, as outlined in its “five core operational objectives” for 2013. These also include developing the Next brand, keeping a tight control on costs, investing in profitable new space and cash generation initiatives that do not resort to share buybacks.
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