SWL's Retail Radar - 28/11/24

Retail Radar, from SWL, provides you with a snapshot of the latest retail news from the UK and around the globe. These narratives highlight key events, emerging trends, and notable advancements, providing a deep dive into the dynamic retail landscape.

JD Sports strengthens its European footprint with the acquisition of French sneaker retailer COURIR

JD Sports Fashion has finalised the purchase of French sneaker retailer COURIR in a transaction valued at €520 million (£433 million), after receiving approval from the European Commission. This acquisition marks another step in the group’s strategy to strengthen its footprint across Europe.

COURIR is recognised as a leading player in the French sneaker market, which is the largest in Europe. The addition of COURIR to JD Sports' portfolio enhances its presence on the continent, with COURIR currently operating 323 stores in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Beyond Europe, the brand also manages 36 franchise outlets across North West Africa, the Middle East, and French overseas territories, as well as three Naked stores—a premium concept catering to women’s sneaker preferences.

Régis Schultz , JD Sports’ CEO, highlighted the acquisition as a significant step in advancing the company’s Complementary Concepts strategy within Europe. He emphasised that COURIR's addition will broaden the group’s customer base, bringing in a more female, fashion-forward, and mature demographic to complement its core audience.

To comply with the European Commission’s conditions for the deal, JD Sports will transfer ownership of 15 COURIR stores in France and all six of its locations in Portugal to German sneaker retailer SNIPES by the first quarter of the 2026 financial year. Until their sale, these stores will continue to trade under the COURIR brand.

In 2023, COURIR reported revenues of €725.8 million (£604 million) and a profit before interest and tax of €50.3 million (£41 million).

Schultz also expressed enthusiasm about integrating COURIR’s leadership team, led by Pierre CHAMBAUDRIE, into JD Sports and collaborating to further expand the brand’s reach across Europe.

Tesco plans to launch more than 150 Express stores over the next three years

Tesco is set to launch over 150 new Express convenience stores across the UK within the next three years as part of its ambitious expansion strategy.

This development, expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs in local areas, coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Tesco Express brand. The supermarket giant introduced its first Express locations in Barnes and Norbury, London, back in 1994 and now boasts 2,704 of these stores nationwide.

To commemorate the milestone, Tesco has unveiled a new Express outlet in Burnt Oak, North London. This store, the company’s 2,882nd in the UK, holds particular significance as it stands near the site where founder Jack Cohen opened his very first shop in 1929.

Kevin Tindall, Managing Director of Tesco’s UK stores, stated the symbolic importance of returning to Burnt Oak. He acknowledged the area’s unique place in the company’s history and emphasised Tesco’s ongoing commitment to serving local communities both there and across the country.

In addition to its expansion plans, Tesco recently enhanced its value proposition in convenience outlets by reducing the prices of over 200 products, including staples like milk, bread, pasta, and coffee.

Currys introduces digital enhancements across its entire store network

Currys plc is rolling out electronic shelf-edge labelling in select locations as part of a wider effort to enhance its store operations.

This modernised system is set to be implemented in 100 stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of the financial year, with 60 locations adopting the technology ahead of the busy festive season. Managed centrally, the digital labels are designed to ensure pricing is accurate and product availability is kept up-to-date in real time.

Additionally, Currys has introduced a digital queuing system across its 298-store network, streamlining the order process and helping customers better understand wait times for sales assistance.

Further updates to its operations include extended opening hours, adding 1,800 extra hours across its stores, and reducing the collection window for click-and-collect orders from 28 days to just 10.

Matthew Speight, Currys’ Director of Stores, emphasised the importance of these enhancements as the company gears up for its busiest trading period. He highlighted the excitement among staff about the new tools, particularly digital labelling and queuing, which are expected to simplify both the shopping and working experience.

Speight also pointed to improvements in click-and-collect services as crucial for meeting customer needs during the festive season, reinforcing the retailer’s commitment to providing a smoother and more efficient in-store experience.

Sealskinz unveils its first-ever permanent store

Sealskinz has unveiled its first-ever permanent retail space in Marylebone Village, London, on Hinde Street.

Building on the success of last year’s festive pop-up, the premium outdoor and apparel brand has taken this significant step to establish a lasting presence in the area.

The two-storey, 1,000-square-foot store showcases Sealskinz’s Vitae line, known for performance-focused everyday wear, alongside its full range of waterproof accessories. Additionally, the space features the brand’s first running collection, which debuted earlier this year.

Beyond retail, the store is designed to serve as a community hub, hosting activities such as run clubs and adventure workshops. Its interior reflects Sealskinz’s adventurous ethos, combining distinctive artwork with signature prints to create a dynamic and engaging environment.

Ray Kelvin, Founder of Ted Baker and Creative Director at Sealskinz, shared his enthusiasm for the project, mentioning the importance of making this store more than a retail space but a gathering point for the Sealskinz community. With decades of retail experience, he expressed his determination to create a unique and memorable destination.

Saint + Sofia opens its debut physical store in Covent Garden

Contemporary womenswear brand Saint and Sofia has launched its first-ever physical store in London’s bustling Covent Garden.

Situated at 35 Monmouth Street in Seven Dials, the new 1,600-square-foot flagship is designed to provide a boutique shopping experience in an intimate and stylish setting.

The store features a curated selection of Saint + Sofia’s womenswear and accessories, including handbags and footwear. Shoppers can also enjoy exclusive previews of upcoming collections and limited-edition items available only in-store. To enhance the customer experience, the flagship offers personal styling appointments and hosts a variety of events.

Saint + Sofia’s in-house creative team has crafted the interior with a nod to neo-classical design. The space is adorned with artwork from Clarendon Fine Art and complemented by furnishings from Soho Home, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.

Dessislava Bell, Founder and CEO of Saint + Sofia, shared her enthusiasm for this milestone, highlighting the opportunity to bring the brand’s online experience into a physical space. She mentioned the importance of creating a memorable, customer-focused environment in the vibrant Seven Dials area, renowned as one of Europe’s leading retail hubs.

Seven Dials has also recently expanded its retail offering, welcoming names such as Axel Arigato, a new concept store from Barbour, and the first standalone outlet for menswear brand NN.07.

William Oliver, Retail Leasing Director at Shaftesbury Capital PLC, praised Saint + Sofia’s decision to debut in the neighbourhood. He highlighted Seven Dials as a destination for innovative, digitally-native brands making the leap to physical retail, reflecting the area’s dynamic and forward-thinking retail vision.

Next expands its Bluewater store to introduce a broader product selection

Next is significantly expanding its presence at Bluewater shopping centre, relocating to a much larger space to offer an enhanced shopping experience.

The retail giant is moving from its current 44,600-square-foot store to a 133,000-square-foot unit previously occupied by House of Fraser, making it one of the largest Next stores in the UK.

The new flagship will align with Next’s omnichannel strategy, showcasing extensive ranges across menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and homeware, as well as featuring an on-site café. Additionally, the popular US beauty brand Bath and Body Works will be relocated to a neighbouring 2,000-square-foot unit.

This expansion is part of a wave of activity at Bluewater, which has seen 12 new leases and five store expansions. Notable arrivals include SEPHORA, PULL&BEAR, Aesop, and Bershka, all set to open before the year’s end.

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Brand Account Management at Landsec, a co-owner of Bluewater, noted that leading retailers are investing in larger, more innovative spaces in prime locations. He emphasised Next’s role as a trailblazer in retail, transforming the former department store space into a dynamic destination that will elevate the experience for Bluewater’s millions of visitors each year.

This development follows Next’s strong performance in its third quarter, with sales boosted by an early cold snap, leading the company to raise its profit forecast for the year once again in October.

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