All The Works articles
-
NewsThe Works counts ‘significant’ supply chain costs as sales rise
The Works has racked up “significant additional costs” to shore up its supply chains for the crucial golden quarter but insisted full-year profits will be in-line with market expectations.
-
News
Pingdemic hits fashion as stores forced to close
Fashion retailers are being forced to close shops and the opening of a new department store has been delayed as the ‘pingdemic’ forces workers to isolate.
-
News
The Works emerges stronger after ‘intensely challenging year’
Arts and crafts specialist The Works has reported that it is well positioned for the future after navigating the challenges of the pandemic.
-
News
The Works sales slide as coronavirus restrictions take toll
The Works revised its internal profit forecast earlier in January after store closures during the year tanked sales.
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (SWOT)
Online sales have been driving the robust growth at The Works over the past few years as the retailer has invested in full multichannel development. The mid-2020 launch of a new website, and improved fulfilment capacity helped the business meet heightened online demand as a result of the pandemic and should help maintain further growth momentum.
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (Strategy)
Established in 1981 as a discount bookstore operation trading as Remainders, the retailer was re-branded as The Works in 2003.
-
Prospect Analysis
Technology strategy at The Works
Full multichannel development remains a priority at The Works with the retailer having invested heavily in an infrastructure to support these ambitions. While this took its toll on profitability at the time, it has been paying off subsequently.
-
Prospect Analysis
Stores at The Works
The Works has been busy strengthening its multichannel offer over the past few years and a modern, nationwide store network is at the centre of this.
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (People)
Former CFO Gavin Peck replaced Kevin Keaney as chief executive in January 2020.
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (Overview)
The Works is the UK’s leading discount book retailer, but also sells a wide range of toys, gifts, stationery and art & craft supplies – all at discount prices.
-
-
-
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (Financials)
Sales at The Works declined 19.7% to £180.7m in the financial year to 2 May 2021 as a result of temporary store closures because of the pandemic. CEO Gavin Peck described it as “an intensely challenging year” but said that the business had emerged stronger.
-
Prospect Analysis
Ecommerce at The Works
The Works has a well-established online business and, in addition to its own site, also sells through a store front on eBay. The retailer is growing its online presence, not simply as a different channel for customers, but as an integrated part of the physical shopping experience.
-
-
Prospect Analysis
Customer and marketing at The Works
The Works has a family-oriented product offer and says it appeals to “savvy consumers” who are looking for a great value alternative to full-price specialists of arts & crafts products, stationery, gifts, toys and books.
-
Prospect Analysis
Supply chain at The Works
An efficient supply chain is crucial to The Works as it uses an opportunistic purchasing strategy to ensure a continuous supply of fresh product across the store network to drive footfall.
-
-
Prospect Analysis
The Works (Outlook)
While it is not the highest profile retailer on the block, The Works has used this to its advantage over the past few years, quietly building up a 525+ store presence across the UK to support a well thought out multichannel growth strategy.
