Retail entrepreneur John Kinnaird expects to make struggling shoe chain Dolcis profitable next year after implementing a series of operational and range changes.
Kinnaird has launched new-look stores, improved quality and is reviewing its portfolio to ensure its shops are the right size in the right locations.
āTrading is tough at the moment, but feedback on our new format has been encouraging and, as long as next summer isnāt another washout, we should return to profit in 2008,ā he said.
āDolcis has a great brand name, so we just needed to give it a more vibrant and up-to-date feel.ā
The first new-look store opened in Glasgow last month ā at the same time as a transactional web site ā and five will open in the first half of 2008.
Kinnaird said he has invested in quality to position Dolcis in the mid-market, āabove Barratts, on a par with Faith and below Duneā. It is focusing onĀ£35 toĀ£45 shoes, rather than its traditionalĀ£15 market.
It is also testing a Dolcis Boutique range of high-end shoes and a childrenās range of shoes.
Kinnaird bought Dolcis from Alexon in aĀ£2.7 million deal in December 2006. In the six months to July 29, 2006, Dolcis made a loss ofĀ£2.4 million.
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