Redcats overhaul aims to push Web sales

A review of mail-order business Redcats UK will be completed by the autumn, according to managing director Olivier Izard.

Redcats, owned by international retail conglomerate PPR, operates several catalogues in the UK, including La Redoute, Empire, Daxon, Vertbaudet and The Store. Izard was appointed managing director in February from international beauty mail order firm Le Club des Createurs de Beaute.

He said the 'large review of strategy' was under way and he is examining closely all areas of the business. The review takes place against the background of consolidation of the agency catalogue market in the UK, with the proposed merger of Littlewoods and GUS. Izard said he is examining the direction of the catalogue businesses and the potential for increasing sales online.

Meanwhile, Redcats is in the process of expanding its 900-strong call centre operation in Bradford and Wakefield by employing another 200 staff.