All Whistles articles
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Prospect AnalysisWhistles (SWOT)
Whistles has been repositioned as a stylish, contemporary brand with new owners The Foschini Group (TFG) keen to retain these credentials.
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Prospect Analysis
Technology strategy at Whistles
Whistles is a relatively young retailer in terms of its technology and it has less issues with legacy systems than most retailers. This is because it needed to invest in its own IT systems after it was separated from Aurora Fashions in 2008, following the buyout by former boss Jane Shepherdson.
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Prospect Analysis
Whistles (Strategy)
Prior to the pandemic robust sales growth had been restored to the UK market as renewed expansion got under way. Much of this centred on new concession development, with Whistles reportedly on the hunt for more locations. Whistles has been looking to multichannel development to drive international sales. Overseas growth was accelerating under ownership of the South African retail giant, The Foschini Group (TFG), prior to the impact of the pandemic.
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Prospect Analysis
Stores at Whistles
As part of Whistles’ earlier repositioning, the standalone network had been reduced as underperforming outlets were shuttered and a number of relocations to better premises have taken place in line with its upmarket stance.
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Prospect Analysis
Whistles (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
Whistles (Overview)
The luxury Whistles fashion brand has been owned by The Foschini Group (TFG), the South African retail giant that also owns Phase Eight and Hobbs since 2016.
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Prospect Analysis
Whistles (Financials)
The retailer had been performing well under the new TFG ownership, having benefitted from investment in online development and international expansion. However, group sales declined for the second consecutive year, tumbling 38.5% to £43.3m in the year to end-March 2021 (FY2020), impacted by Covid-19 and related government-enforced store closures, social distancing measures and a reduction in social gatherings and events.
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Prospect Analysis
Ecommerce at Whistles
Whistles will be using personalisation and customer relationship management to improve its conversion rate going forward.
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Prospect Analysis
Customer and marketing at Whistles
Whistles is positioned as a credible premium offering, sitting between the high street and the designer end of the market. There is a clear focus on high quality and strong design that the company itself refers to as ‘effortless’ fashion.
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Prospect Analysis
Supply chain at Whistles
Whistles’ supply chain strategy is geared towards supporting its expanding international operations as well as the online business. A major focus is to increase the responsiveness of the supply chain, in order to pull back items that are not selling well and replace them with pieces that will sell.
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Prospect Analysis
Whistles (Outlook)
Following the acquisition of Whistles by The Foschini Group (TFG), there has been a real focus at Whistles on getting back to basics, which has involved the closure of unprofitable stores and the “streamlining” of its operations and cost base.
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News
Hobbs boss to take dual role as Whistles MD steps down
Whistles boss Helen Williamson is to take early retirement after nearly six years with the retailer.
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Be Inspired
Analysis: Seven women that are shaping the future of retail
To celebrate International Women’s Day this Sunday, we take a look at the women who are changing the retail sector.
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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
Whistles losses shrink but sales remain flat
Whistles has reported shrinking losses on flat sales during its first year under new ownership.
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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
Breakfast briefing: Damsel in a Dress and Irish sales
Retail news round-up: Foschini group acquires Damsel in a Dress, and Irish retail sales down at Christmas
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News
Whistles losses spiralled before Foschini takeover
Whistles recorded full-year losses of £2.9m before its recent takeover by South African retail group Foschini, accounts at Companies House have revealed.
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News
Phase Eight profits and sales rise following Foschini acquisition
Phase Eight’s sales and profits have risen following its acquisition by South African retail group Foschini in January 2015.
