Retailer and manufacturer’s revenues soar past £330m mark

West Retail Group, the parent of online electrical retailer Ebuyer and kitchen manufacturer Wren Living, has seen revenues surpass £524m, with Wren bringing in more than £330m.

The York-based kitchen group increased revenues by 31% again in the past year to £338m, up from £257m in 2015.

Pre-tax profits increased to just under £12m, compared to £7.8m the year before.

This growth was mostly down to its Wren Living brand, which was launched seven years ago, it said, rather than Ebuyer, which seemed to struggle to stay afloat in an increasingly competitive sector.

For 2016, Ebuyer’s revenues sank slightly to £188.6m from £188.7m, while pre-tax profits rose to £1.3m.

Directors said the electronics sector remained “exceptionally competitive” and that it has only been able to maintain sales due to operational efficiency at its distribution centre.

They said that “highly competitive” prices were just a starting point and online retailers could not rely solely on that. Ebuyer said it would continue to invest in the efficiency of its warehouse, feeling the industry pressure to ensure next-day deliveries on goods.

Instead, the company has focused and invested heavily in the Wren business, converting a 180-acre warehouse and logistics facility into a third manufacturing centre, which completed at the beginning of 2017. This was the group’s largest single investment in its history, and since year end, another six Wren showrooms have opened.

No dividends were recommended for the year.