Strong sales boost The Works ahead of new click-and-collect service

SUTTON Coldfield-based discount retailer, The Works has continued its strong start to the year with a like-for-like sales increasing 13% for the 12 months to August 31, 2014.

The company said its strong performance owed much to the popularity of its arts & crafts, stationery and toy ranges.   

Against this background of sustained growth, the company said this month would see it deliver the next phase of its multichannel strategy, launching a new click-and-collect service in stores and a mobile-optimised version of its website, TheWorks.co.uk, making it easier for customers to browse and buy across all platforms.  
 
The click-and-collect service will allow online customers to pick up their orders at any of the retailer’s 306 stores across the UK and Southern Ireland.  This facility, and the mobile website are seen as significant milestones in the firm’s evolving retail strategy.

The Works’ multichannel strategy saw growth of more than 90% in e-commerce sales last year.  
 
Kevin Keaney, The Works CEO, said:  “We have had an excellent start to the 2015 financial year and with all of the hard work put in by the team to launch our new multichannel services, we’re also in good shape to have a strong Christmas.”
 
The Works has also made two board appointments to lead the delivery of its multichannel capabilities. Simon Joseph has joined as multichannel director from Asda and Tom Scott has joined as IT director from B&Q.
 
The Works is owned by retail entrepreneur, Anthony Solomon, and private equity firm, Endless.