Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

Emma Mattress unveils John Lewis partnership

Emma Mattress has unveiled a partnership with John Lewis and Partners, which will see the brand’s mattresses made available both in-store and online.

The homeware retailer said that its products will be made available in 15 John Lewis shops across the UK, as well as part of its ecommerce offering. 

The bed-in-a-box brand said the partnership was sealed, following the news Emma had achieved its “highest UK revenue to date” for the 52 weeks to June 30 with sales of £18m. 

Bedroom furniture buyer at John Lewis, Emily Windborne said: “We are delighted to welcome Emma into our shops, and look forward to giving our customers the chance to experience Emma products first-hand.”

Chief commercial officer at Emma, Philipp Burgtorf said: ”There is an inherent desire to try before you buy – which is why we are pleased to announce John Lewis & Partners as our latest retail partner. Working together with one of the most trusted brands in the UK means that potential customers will be able to see and feel the UK’s most awarded mattress in-store, for the first time- as well as the benefit of having 100 nights to try it out.”

Carpetright shareholder buys credit facility

A “major shareholder” in Carpetright has bought the retailer’s £40.7m revolving credit facility directly from its lending banks. 

In a statement released on the Stock Exchange this morning, Carpetright said that one of its major shareholders Meditor had purchased the facilities directly from NatWest and Ulster Bank, and also committed to taking on the £6.5m overdrafts the retailer has with the banks.

Carpetright said Meditor’s purchase of the credit facilities were ”at arms-length” from its business, and said its shareholder ”did not seek any assurances” during the process, nor ”propose board representation and did not request structural changes in the business”. 

Meditor said it intends to engage with Carpetright ” with a view to providing a more stable and longer-term funding platform.”