Revenues at out-of-town retail specialist Dunelm
were up 12.1 per cent to £603.7 million and operating profit
was up 14.3 per cent to £95.2 million as its focus on opening
new stores, growing its multichannel business and strengthened
infrastructure paid off. More multichannel developments are in
the pipeline, including enhancements to the website and expansion
of Dunelm’s logistics operation in order to bring its delivery
speed and choice in line with market norms.
Rumours are circulating that a takeover of
Staples may be on the cards. According to news
agency Reuters, Bain Capital may be interested in
acquiring the stationery giant, which less than a month ago cut
its profit and sales forecasts for the year, blaming economic
weakness in Europe and slow growth in the USA.
Around three-quarters of smartphone owners have used catalogues
to research or browse for products and inspiration, a new study
reveals. According to consumer research from eDigitalResearch and
Portaltech Reply, although online and mobile channels are seeing
substantial year-on-year growth, more traditional shopping
channels, such as catalogues and stores, still have a vital role
to play in the buying decision.
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