Ryman is the UK’s leading high street stationery retailer and has been owned by retail entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis since 1995. It is one of four businesses now owned by Paphitis, which all share some ecommerce and IT resources. Ryman’s ecommerce fulfilment has been consolidated into the Robert Dyas distribution centre in Hemel Hempstead, for example, enabling it to offer cross-brand click and collect.
Ryman’s multichannel operations have benefited from the launch of its latest ecommerce platform in 2019 and the channel remains a key focus as the retailer looks at ways to leverage its nationwide network of around 200 stores. This includes further integration of resources across TPRG, including the rollout of combined Ryman and Robert Dyas stores.
A typical Ryman store carries more than 5,500 different types of products across stationery, office supplies, furniture and storage, electricals and technology, and paper and printing.
Alongside Robert Dyas (home and kitchenware), the other Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG) brands comprise Boux Avenue (lingerie) and London Graphic Centre (art supplies).
Theo Paphitis Retail Group has posted an uplift in earnings at Ryman and Robert Dyas, but trading has been tough at Boux Avenue.
As I said in 2018 when the first gender pay gap data was released, we must be aware that statistics are not always black and white and there is a danger in viewing them as such.
Theo Paphitis Retail Group registered a rise in sales during the crucial Christmas trading period as all three of its high street fascias delivered growth.
When I was trying to buy Ryman and approaching private equity businesses and banks to raise the money, I was told it was a dog of a business – they were wrong.
A clutch of retailers are circling Maplin’s store estate as its hopes of securing a rescue deal rapidly evaporate.
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