Blue Inc. was created more than a century ago. It started with men apparel then the company diversified its offer into women and boys clothes. Blue Inc. has become one of the largest menswear retailer in the UK and runs a network of more than 220 stores. Well, at least until last week: Blue Inc. just closed over 70 locations -mostly Officers Club shops-, cutting 580 jobs. According to The Telegraph, the decision was taken following this winter in-stores sales poor results as well as a willingness to focus on the growing online business, which grew by 50% last year.
Steve Cohen, Chief Executive, explained that "Online is becoming an increasingly big part of the business. Given the strength of online and the changing environment on the high street we decided now was the right time to evaluate the store portfolio. We're investing in areas of growth for the future, as well as continuing to support those parts of the retail estate where Blue Inc. has a strong customer base. The core business and store estate remains profitable."
Finally, fibre2fashion confirmed that Blue Inc. won't close any store in Northern Ireland but instead plans to invest £1 million to open of six new locations and create more than 75 jobs.
Photo: Margareth G.
News in the same category
Evans Cycles have opened a new store at the Glasgow Fort shopping centre. This is their third store in the city and their fifth in Scotland, with the other outlets in Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Like many others, I’ve often wondered if Utopia - the ideal place - really exists. Then I discovered that it recently opened at Spurriergate in York.
The Sainsbury's company is testing a system to eliminate all food wastage in one of its supermarkets. Having donated part of its foodstuffs, the rest is recycled to cover the store's energy needs.
A new luxury store will shortly be the latest addition to the Victoria Quarter in Leeds when vacant units become occupied by interiors retailer Dowsing & Reynoldsto.
