Published
Jan 17, 2017
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Reiss shines at Christmas as UK, online and international stores prove strong

Published
Jan 17, 2017

Reiss is the latest UK fashion retailer to report buoyant festive trading as its omnichannel strategy paid off. The mid-priced chain saw sales in the seven weeks to January 7 rising just short of 20% as UK comparable sales, online business and international turnover all headed in the right direction.


Reiss had a very happy Christmas



But did it achieve this by heavy discounting? It appears not. While the retailer gave few details, it said that its margin remained “robust” as UK sales rose 11.6% with a strong performance both in-store and online.

But it was the international performance that really impressed as the firm reported a 69.4% surge in sales on the back of new stores and concessions and its debut in two new markets.

Its expansion strategy took in multiple continents in 2016 with the firm debuting in France and Australia last year, as well as opening two New York stores, and one in Toronto.

The company had 189 stores in 17 countries during the Christmas selling season, up from 160 stores in 15 countries a year ago.

The store expansion last year came as new majority owner Warburg Pincus committed itself to growing the brand’s footprint. Those 29 new locations were opened between April, when the private equity investor acquired control in a deal valuing Reiss at £230m, and December.

In announcing its Christmas trading, Reiss added that it would work with Warburg Pincus in its aim of becoming a “a truly global fashion brand.”


After dark dressing is a key part of the Reiss offer



Reiss has consistently been one of the more successful retailers coming out of the UK, despite the mid-priced sector it occupies having been extremely competitive. While not being known for ultra-directional fashion, it has benefited from being a favourite brand of the continuously photographed Duchess of Cambridge and has built a robust business around ocassionwear, smart daywear and smart casualwear.

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