The retail industry is tough! We aren't going to pretend it's been plain sailing for us over the past 12 months. The CVA process resulted in us closing 90 of our stores and re structuring head office. Despite the pain of going through this process it has resulted in a lean and well oiled business with a portfolio of profit making stores! This puts us in a fantastic position to invest in our profit making stores and more importantly the staff running them.
Information on our new Pioneer program will be coming soon, or check out The Appointment where there is a 3 page article on the business including a taster about Pioneer.
We are in a great position to make our business a stable, progressive and rewarding place to be!
Business Focus
Whether looking for a top of the range item or something more modest we are determind to have options for all budgets! With our new Millets Value range we are ensuring people on all budgets can be ready to embrace the outdoors. UK holidays set to increase this year our holiday camping packs and new kids clothing range means looking good and staying warm outdoors won't break the bank! Making sure our products are affordable for everyone is a real challenge but with the continued success of our own brands and the launch of the new Millets Value range we are seeing more and more people becoming fans of our own brand ranges, which are more affordable but just as fashionable as the more expensive options.
Brands
Good retail standards are key in order to support our excellent brands such as The North Face, Roxy and Animal in our stores but also the growing success of our own label brands ALS, Freespirit and Technicals (see 'new concept store page' for info on our brand new ALS store). The fashion focus doesn't stop with clothing, our Equipment and Footwear teams are making sure that even the most high tech equipment is in keeping with the latest trends. The winter collection made everyone's Christmas shopping easy with a range of present ideas for all the outdoor and indoor lovers out there. And with the success of our floral tents and vibrant Wellingtons last summer, we are very excited about this season's collection.
Credit Crisis...
There's no escaping it - the Retail environment is tough at the moment. But with a re-structure last year and a re-focus for the whole business, we're really excited about 2009. We've just re-fitted 10 more Boardwear Stores into Blacks or Millets concept stores and are seeing huge success from the investment. With encouring trade results, a market leading management team and a focus on internal development, there are exciting opportunities within Blacks Leisure Group plc and we certainly do not intend to sit still over the coming few months. We're travelling at full speed in order to get this business to its full potential and have many opportunities for ambitious individuals within the business.
New management team
These changes are being driven by our CEO, Neil Gillis, and his Senior Management Team. They recognise that to get the best, you have to give the best rewards - which is why we offer competitive salaries, a revolutionary new bonus structure and outstanding development opportunities for the talented and driven (see information on our Management Development Programme for high achievers in the HR section of 'Opportunities')
Still the biggest
Of course, some things don't change. Blacks Leisure Group plc is still the leading outdoor retailer in the UK with over 330 stores across the country. We still stock the best technical equipment to get you through the stormiest weather or the muddiest festivals. And we still own some of the most exciting and well-known brands in the business but with so many exciting opportunities to progress your career there are even more reasons to join us.