All Phase Eight articles
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Opinion‘As Next snaps up Joules, expect more retailers to go shopping for distress deals’
The current economic environment means the recent rash of acquisitions could continue, but such deals can turn a crisis into a shared opportunity, writes Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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News
Next elbows out Foschini with last-minute swoop on Joules alongside founder
Fashion powerhouse Next has teamed up with Joules founder Tom Joule to buy the retailer, fending off competition for control from Phase Eight owner Foschini.
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News
Phase Eight owner poised to snap up Joules
Foschini, the owner of fashion retailers Phase Eight, Hobbs and Whistles, is close to buying bust counterpart Joules from administrators.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (Financials)
Phase Eight recovered some of the ground lost in FY2020 during the year to 26 March 2022 (FY2021), with sales rising 53.3% to £97.1m as measures to tackle the impact of Covid-19 were eased and demand for smarter clothing and occasionwear increased. The fashion retailer - which had been achieving annual sales in excess of £150m ahead of the pandemic - also moved back into the black in FY2021 following heavy losses the year before.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (SWOT)
The acquisition of Phase Eight by The Foschini Group in 2015 has provided the financial backing needed for further international expansion and ecommerce development. The acceleration of Phase Eight’s international operations, in particular, has been supported by the South African group’s funding and expertise in this area.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (People)
Hobbs’ MD Justin Hampshire took on the role of group MD across TFG Brands from early 2021 following the departure of former boss Ben Barnett before being appointed group chief executive in July 2021.
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Prospect Analysis
Stores at Phase Eight
While Phase Eight had spread rapidly across the country through concessions, there remains a strong concentration of outlets in suburban London and the South East in general, with the remainder in provincial high streets.
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Prospect Analysis
Technology strategy at Phase Eight
Investment in technology has been boosted by the financial backing provided by its owners, The Foschini Group (TFG), since its takeover in 2015.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (Overview)
Phase Eight, which specialises in women’s occasionwear, has been owned by South African retail giant The Foschini Group (TFG) since 2015.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (Strategy)
Phase Eight is a UK-based womenswear brand that has expanded globally in recent years.
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Prospect Analysis
Ecommerce at Phase Eight
Phase Eight has a well-developed multichannel presence, with click-and-collect orders reportedly having accounted for 20% of store traffic.
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Prospect Analysis
Customer and marketing at Phase Eight
Management says Phase Eight’s greatest strength is a loyal customer following and distinct brand identity.
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Prospect Analysis
Supply chain at Phase Eight
Phase Eight has focused on developing its supply chain strategy to accommodate its international and ecommerce growth, including investment in a single view of stock in order to be more flexible with its ecommerce fulfilment.
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Prospect Analysis
Phase Eight (Outlook)
The retailer has had its UK store portfolio under review to take account of the shift to the online channel and overall numbers have been on a downward trend.
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News
M&S to add Joules and Hobbs to its fashion stable
Marks & Spencer has struck deals with a handful of new fashion brands in a bid to drive its clothing sales online.
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News
TFG management reshuffle as Hobbs’ Meg Lustman exits
The Foschini Group London is reshuffling its management team as Hobbs chief executive Meg Lustman exits.
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Analysis
The disruptors: The bridal businesses catering for millennials
The once stagnant bridal market is changing fast. In Retail Week’s latest instalment of ‘The Disruptors’ series, we profile the retailers shaking up bridalwear.
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News
Hobbs bought by Phase Eight and Whistles owner Foschini
Phase Eight and Whistles owner The Foschini Group (TFG) has acquired upmarket womenswear retailer Hobbs for an undisclosed sum.
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News
Hobbs approached by Phase Eight owner Foschini
Foschini, the South African group that owns Phase Eight and Whistles, has thrown its hat into the ring to buy womenswear brand Hobbs, The Sunday Times reported.
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News
Phase Eight poaches Jigsaw online trading boss
Phase Eight has poached Jigsaw’s online trading and digital marketing boss James Williams.
