The Works is a value retailer selling arts, crafts, books, stationery and toys – all at discount prices. It is the UK’s leading discount book retailer.
The Works has over 500 stores across the UK and Ireland. It was founded in 1981, while TheWorks.co.uk (the company’s first ecommerce platform) was launched in 2012.
Investment in full multichannel development has been ramped up over the past few years, with the focus on delivering the complete integration of its ecommerce systems and store network.
Current priorities include re-platforming the website, the ongoing integration of its systems, overhauling its merchandising and buying systems, and making the most of the data it gets from its Together reward card scheme.
The store opening programme has also been accelerated: it wants to get to 650 by 2022 and has longer term aspirations for up to 1,000 outlets.
The Works acquired 26 outlets of the chains Bargain Books and Bookworld in 2017. In July 2018, the company floated on the London Stock Exchange, being valued at £100m. It raised £62.5m to clear debt and fund ongoing expansion.
The Works boss Gavin Peck has hailed the retailer’s “robust” performance at the half-year mark as online sales surged and stores experienced strong demand when allowed to open under government guidelines.
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The Works has swung to a pre-tax loss following the “significant impact” of the coronavirus crisis.
The Works has registered an increase in full-year revenues with a strong online performance during the coronavirus pandemic.
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