T.J. Hughes: value for money

Article Abstract:

T.J. Hughes is a UK discount retailer which reported a drop in pre-tax profit of 44% to 916,000 pounds sterling for 1995 to 1996. The company sought to move away from the lower end of the market and into the middle range, and this has caused problems, according to Eric Hodges, chairman. The company is seeking to tighten cost control, and seeks to provide quality with a discount. A store was opened in Mar 1996, and further stores are to be opened in 1997. The company's pre-tax profit is forecast at 1.4 million pounds for 1996 to 1997 by Panmure Gordon.

Discount Chains, Variety stores, Discount stores, Try Group PLC

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Something brewing

Article Abstract:

Whittard of Chelsea is a retailer of tea and coffee which has opened an average of 10 stores annually. The company plans a new type of store but will not reveal the products to be sold. Ceramics are used to attract customers because they are seen as more interesting than coffee and tea. The company is launching vacuum packed coffee sold through supermarkets with a message for consumers to try beans from one of the company's stores. The success of any diversification plan could have a major impact onthe company'slong-term growth.

Miscellaneous food stores, Food Stores NEC, Grocery stores, Coffeehouses, Whittard of Chelsea

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Argos sells it cheap and piles profits high

Article Abstract:

Argos is a UK catalog retailer which holds a 30% stake in the UK market for small electrical appliances. The company aims to add 31 stores to its existing 367 UK stores in 1996, and could expand to 600 stores without saturation being a problem. The group is considering expansion into areas other than catalog retailing, and could carry this out through acquisitions or growth. The company's Premier Incentives scheme is performing well.

Misc. general merchandise stores, Catalog Showrooms, Argos PLC

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