In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we’re reporting as uncertainty continues around how – and when – shoppers will buy this Christmas. Continuing Royal Mail postal worker strikes may encourage more shoppers to buy in-store in the final run-up to Christmas – but cold weather, heavy snowfalls and rail strikes may serve to muffle the extent of that return to the high street.
We also report as Poundland reports growing sales and profits in a year in which it invested both online and in-store. The retailer bought Poundshop.com in March to give it a national online service, while it has also invested in upgrading more than 340 shops.
M&Co is continuing to trade both online and in-store as administrators explore a potential sale. Administrators from Teneo Financial Advisory were appointed on Friday and say the retailer has been affected by rising costs and falling consumer confidence.
In contrast, Monsoon, Accessorize and East parent company Adena Brands is reporting continued success for a turnaround strategy focused on digital transformation and store renewals. Adena, led by Monsoon founder Peter Simon, bought the business in 2020 in what Simon describes as a ‘leap of faith’ which is now seeing positive results.
In today’s guest comment, Clara Philipin of Asendia UK says planning is the key to making a success of peak trading
