Today’s news in brief-15/10/24

Victorian Plumbing announced the closure of Victoria Plum due to a £2m loss since acquisition, aiming to complete operations by year-end. Despite this, Victorian Plumbing reported a 4% revenue increase in FY24, with strong consumer demand and enhanced market share. CEO Mark Radcliffe highlighted growth in own-brand sales and improved margins, alongside investments in operations and technology.

Footasylum appointed Will Van Rensburg as CCO and Glen Wilkinson as senior buying director to drive growth strategy. CEO David Pujolar emphasized their roles in enhancing market position and expanding product offerings, following strong FY24 performance.

Poundstretcher bolstered its leadership with appointments like Miles Foster as group operations director, aiming to support growth across 300 stores. CEO Andy Atkinson praised the new team’s expertise and commitment to customer service, marking a pivotal step for Poundstretcher.

Superdrug launched a Christmas recruitment drive for 1,000 sales assistants, anticipating high footfall during the festive season. CEO Peter Macnab emphasized the importance of expanding team capabilities to enhance customer service, building on strong Christmas trading in 2023.

Wilko partnered with Deliveroo to offer rapid delivery in 10 locations initially, expanding to 50 by year-end. The move aims to meet growing demand for household essentials, enhancing accessibility as Wilko continues to expand its store presence nationwide.

Waitrose reported a surge in early Christmas shopping, with 70% of delivery slots already booked. Sales of decorations and festive foods have risen sharply, reflecting heightened consumer anticipation. The group’s price match initiative has also boosted online traffic and sales.