The retail industry is tough! However we're going against the trend by securing a £19 million external investment and launching into an agressive 'Store Opening program'! We've already launched new stores in many locations and have a plan to ensure fresh new concept stores are all over the UK. You can see some examples of our existing concept stores in our 'new concept stores' page and we will update you with some pictures of our newly opened Regent Street london store soon.
We aren't going to pretend it's been plain sailing for us over the past 12 months. The CVA process resulted in us closing 90 of our stores and re structuring head office. Despite the pain of going through this process it has resulted in a lean and well oiled business with a portfolio of profit making stores! This puts us in a fantastic position to invest in our profit making stores and more importantly the staff running them.
With Pioneer stores leading the way forward, new training programs and development roles we are ensuring that we retain our talent and support individuals progress into more senior roles. More info on our Pioneer stores is coming soon!
Business Focus
Whether looking for a top of the range item or something more modest we are determind to have options for all budgets! With our new Millets Value range we are ensuring people on all budgets can be ready to embrace the outdoors. UK holidays set to increase this year our holiday camping packs and new kids clothing range means looking good and staying warm outdoors won't break the bank! Making sure our products are affordable for everyone is a real challenge but with the continued success of our own brands and the launch of the new Millets Value range we are seeing more and more people becoming fans of our own brand ranges, which are more affordable but just as fashionable as the more expensive options.
Brands
Good retail standards are key in order to support our excellent brands such as The North Face, Roxy and Animal in our stores but also the growing success of our own label brands ALS, Freespirit and Technicals (see 'new concept store page' for info on our brand new ALS store). The fashion focus doesn't stop with clothing, our Equipment and Footwear teams are making sure that even the most high tech equipment is in keeping with the latest trends. The winter collection made everyone's Christmas shopping easy with a range of present ideas for all the outdoor and indoor lovers out there. And with the success of our floral tents and vibrant Wellingtons last summer, we are very excited about this season's collection.
Credit Crisis...
There's no escaping it - the Retail environment is tough at the moment. But with a re-structure last year and a re-focus for the whole business, we're really excited about 2010. With all our stores making monthly profit we are able to use our positive cash flow to role out new concept stores and launch in new sites. With encouring trade results, a market leading management team and a focus on internal development, there are exciting opportunities within Blacks Leisure Group and we certainly do not intend to sit still over the coming few months. We're travelling at full speed in order to get this business to its full potential and have many opportunities for ambitious individuals within the business.
Ambitious Management team
These changes are being driven by our CEO, Neil Gillis, and his Senior Management Team. They recognise that to get the best, you have to give the best rewards - which is why we offer competitive salaries, a revolutionary new bonus structure and outstanding development opportunities for the talented and driven (see information on our Management Development Programme for high achievers in the HR section of 'Opportunities')
Still the biggest
Of course, some things don't change. Blacks Leisure Group plc is still the leading outdoor retailer in the UK with over 330 stores across the country. We still stock the best technical equipment to get you through the stormiest weather or the muddiest festivals. And we still own some of the most exciting and well-known brands in the business but with so many exciting opportunities to progress your career there are even more reasons to join us.