RETAILING
More recently, Dyas put in one of
the strongest performances within the group during the Christmas period, posting sales growth of 2% in the six weeks to December 24, 2017. This was only topped by Ryman, which recorded a 4.8% increase, and during a trading period that Theo Paphitis described by saying he had “never seen it so hard and unforgiving” for retailers, “where the shopper will punish you if you take your eye off the ball”.
With nine categories in his remit and a very involved approach, Andrew jokes: “Honestly, I feel like I’ve never worked so hard in my life!” However, he adds that he would always “rather be really busy than sat twiddling my thumbs.” He clearly has no regrets over his move to Dyas, telling DIY Week “I love it here”. But he also has fond memories of his time with Homebase. “I learnt a lot in my time there and got to work with some fantastic people, like David Robinson (former Argos COO) and also Andrew Carnie (former Homebase director of home).” Of Andrew Carnie, who is now president of home and garden at Anthropologie in the US, Andrew Georgiou says: “He taught me so much. He showed me the best way to write a presentation and strategy
plan. A lot of what he taught me is what I’m now teaching here.” He adds: “Both Andrew and David have had a big influence on my career for which I am sincerely grateful.”
The future
Whilst a glance back is always good, Andrew is looking firmly ahead and, with turnover at Dyas up 2.8% to £123.4million for the year ended April 2017, and like-for-like sales up 1.1%, the retailer’s future looks bright. Investment by the group has
resulted in successful growth of Dyas’ online proposition, so that it has improved multi-channel capabilities, resulting in 50% of orders now being collected from store. Underlying EBITDA also increased to £2.4million during the period, up from £1.5million the previous year.
However, whilst the group expects tough headwinds to remain for retailers, as they battle it out in a competitive market, Theo adds that he believes, “there are and have always been opportunities for retailers that remain relevant and we intend to continue to work hard to achieve continued success.” Going forward, the group will continue to increase its investment in its retail businesses, particularly to support those areas where it sees future growth. The year ahead looks set to be an exciting one for Dyas.
“Just because a customer hasn’t returned something, doesn’t mean they haven’t chucked it in the bin and will never walk into your store again”
16 DIY WEEK 9 FEBRUARY 2018
www.diyweek.net
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