Allders drops its white goods to bolster furniture

Allders has raised the white flag over white goods. As of October, the department store group will phase out its large electrical products from all stores except Croydon, Bromley, Aylesford and Chichester, where own-label brand Zona will still be sold.

The space freed up will be used to expand the home furnishings and furniture offer. The retailer will continue to stock small and medium-sized electricals, with selected stores expanding their offer.

Allders chief executive Terry Green has been bolstering its fashion offer, with the Designers at Allders collections. Recent signings include Celia Birtwell, Mark Whittaker, Elspeth Gibson and Amanda Marshall for autumn/winter.

Retail Knowledge Bank research director Robert Clark said margins were unattractive in the electricals category.

'Allders is becoming much more fashion-oriented,' said Clark. 'The competition in white goods has really hotted up, not just in terms of falling prices, but because of the activities of Tesco and Asda.'