The brand new RetailX USA Growth 2000 report tracks how British outdoor brand Mountain Warehouse sells to US shoppers, in a key export market, through an easy-to-use website.
Mountain Warehouse started out in 1997, when founder Mark Neale opened its first shop in the UK. Since then, the retail brand has expanded to sell products that are designed in-house and made in the Far East from more than 350 shops in eight countries, through ten websites – including the US – and through third-party marketplaces including Amazon. It states its mission is “to help everyone enjoy the great outdoors”.
In its latest figures, for the year to 26 February 2023, it reported revenues of £371mn, 22.6% higher than the previous year in a year in which store revenues grew fast (+27.4%) in comparison to Covid-19 pandemic closures. Online revenues also grew by 7.8% and were 76% ahead of pre-Covid levels.
At the bottom line, Mountain Warehouse reported a pre-tax loss of £1.5mn, down from a pre-tax profit of £0.2mn the previous year, as costs rose in areas including wages, freight and energy, while pandemic support schemes ended.
Looking ahead, it outlined a strategy of online growth, range expansion and the development of its own marketplace, launched in May 2023.
It plans a customer-first approach, while it is targeting net zero by 2040, through a strategy of using recycled and organic materials, while reducing plastic and energy use. It also plans to relocate its stores to larger sites in out-of-town locations and to build a world class supply chain.
The retail brand offers search suggestions or navigation organised through a wide range of categories, including by activities such as camping, skiing and fitness.
From its homepage, it flags up a fulfilment offer that includes free tracked shipping when shoppers spend at least $75 and a 60-day return period. Delivery times vary by state. From the home page, shoppers are offered a 10% discount when they sign up for marketing messages and can also see payment options that include PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and links to social media websites including Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Its largest audience is on Facebook, where it has 238k followers for product images, videos and seasonal messages.
This Mountain Warehouse profile is just one of 10 in the RetailX USA Growth 2000 report; it also includes Bang & Olufsen; Price Chopper; Sunglass Hut and Versace.
The USA Growth 2000 2024 explores how these dynamic retailers have grown through elevating customer experience, product offerings and strategic investments.
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