Scores of jobs in prospect as retailer plans to open 30 stores

Scores of new jobs will be created in an expansion by Manchester-based bedding and linen retailer Julian Charles.

The company, which dates back to 1947, was acquired by London investment firm SKG Capital in 2020, which is leading a turnround drive to return the business to growth and profit.

It has announced plans to open up to 30 stores and concessions across the country over the next 18 months

The retailer currently operates from 75 sites. It is seeking additional concessions in allied retailers, as well as standalone stores in market towns where the company believes there is significant appetite for it goods.

Its expansion plans come as the business enters its 75th anniversary year, and a rebrand, from ‘Julian Charles’ to ‘Julian Charles Home’ in a bid to expand beyond bedding and linen to the wider homewares market.

Over the past year the business has introduced artificial flowers, practical kitchen accessories, and artisanal candles and scents into its stores.

Its strategy is to retain its loyal, long term, customer base, while targeting potential customers including younger, male, and student customers.

Since acquiring the business SKG Capital has invested heavily into the brand’s digital offering and is now looking to grow its high street presence.

Prior to the acquisition, Julian Charles was running at a £2.1m loss. In the latest financial accounts the retailer has been taken to a break-even position and continues to grow. And following the period of investment, online sales have increased by 30% year-on-year and now account for 20% of total sales.

Simon Peck, managing director at Julian Charles, said: “Following an excellent 18 months for the business, and having already revamped our online offering and extended our product range, we are now moving into the growth stage of our strategy.

“This involves increasing the number of Julian Charles locations across the country and using the successes of the past year as a springboard for the next.”

Neil Taylor, partner at SKG Capital, said: “When we bought Julian Charles, the business had the solid foundation of a respected high end brand with a strong customer base. We saw the opportunity to build on the brand’s leadership in bedding and linen to create a distinctive player in the wider homewares sector.”

Julian Charles started in 1947 as a small Lancashire textile business called Rectella Limited, growing into one of the largest manufacturers of home textiles in the UK and developing its retail arm under the Julian Charles brand.