Retail Pulse - April 2019
Retail Burn
This month we've got a mix of names featuring for several different reasons.
The most talked about retailers, according to the Retail Burn, include: H&M, Primark, Ikea, The Entertainer and Paul all reporting positive news stories, and Mothercare, Cotswold Outdoor, Select, Arcadia Group and Debenhams where the news hasn't been so great.
The Retailer Database shows plenty of good news about H&M. H&M is busy ramping up its sustainability credentials in its clothing lines, has embarked on a trial of selling second-hand and vintage clothing online and is opening up its supply chain to consumers.
At the other end of the scale is Debenhams. Having undergone a pre-pack administration the department store group is now considering a CVA process under which it has earmarked stores to close.
Hot 100
Pragma analyses retailer accounts to understand their financial health and sustainability. Those with good scores in these areas feature in our Hot 100.
The Hot 100 in April 2019 included;
· Reiss; recording strong sales growth following a refreshed brand and product offer
· River Island; doubling its footprint at intu Lakeside
· Dr Martens; owner Permira eyes either a sale or US flotation of the chain
· JD; opening at The Spires in Barnet
· Pull & Bear; opening at new retail development Edinburgh St James
· Fred Perry; opening on Glasgow’s Ingram Street
· Games Workshop; continuing to experience good trading since its interim update in January
· Krispy Kreme; opening at The Springs in Leeds
Retail News Index
The April RNI index for All Retailers, at 100, has increased by 2.
· Leisure, at 98, has decreased by 9.
· Clothing & Footwear, at 94, has increased by 10.
· Household, at 109, has decreased by 8.
· Personal, at 93, has remained the same.
· Grocery, at 101, has increased by 3.
· Food & Beverage, at 103, has decreased by 1.
Retailer Births & Deaths
There was 1 administration recorded in April: department store retailer Debenhams. Debenhams underwent a pre-pack administration when lenders including banks and hedge funds took control.
There were 4 new additions to the Pragma Retailer Database in April, including 2 new to the UK market: Italian womenswear brand Pinko; and, street food brand Thurderbird Fried Chicken; US-based, egg-focused casual dining brand Eggslut that will make its UK debut in London’s Notting Hill this summer; and, bowl food restaurant concept SOW that will also make its debut this year.