Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Imperial International has defied the tough economic climate by achieving its best-ever sales month in October.
Last month’s performance was the best since the company’s formation, with sales 50% ahead of budget and 80% ahead of those in October 2009.
The company puts the achievement down to a number of factors, not least the reaction to new brands launched this year having “far exceeded expectations”. New lines introduced at key industry shows this year include Me to You, The National Archives and Rotho, along with products under the Ready Steady Cook, Easy Cook and BBC Good Food brands.
Imperial also points to its expanded sales force, and says it is signing up increasing numbers of key retailers.
Said commercial director John Newcomb: “We view it as important to support all our channels of distribution. Therefore it’s particularly gratifying that the double-digit growth we’re seeing this year is coming from all sectors of our business – from high street multiples to independent cookshops.
“The fact that there’s growth to be had in all market sectors also augurs well for the fortunes of the retail market generally as we go into 2011, which will undoubtedly be another challenging year for many housewares companies.”
