Retailer’s New Strategy Drives Growth and Confidence

  • The Works beats profit outlook with £9.5m EBITDA
  • Improved brand image and efficiency drive growth
  • Total revenue down 2% to £277m
  • Like-for-like sales flat at 0.8%
  • Store sales up 2.3%, online sales down 12.1%
  • CEO Gavin Peck confident in further profit growth in FY26

The Works, a retailer focused on affordable family activities, has reported excellent progress in its turnaround plan, beating its previous profit outlook with an adjusted EBITDA of £9.5m for the year to May 4. The company attributes this success to improvements in brand image, customer convenience, and efficiency across the business. Total revenue fell 2% to £277m, partly due to eight fewer stores and an additional trading week last year. Like-for-like sales remained flat at 0.8%, while store sales increased by 2.3%. CEO Gavin Peck expresses confidence in further profit growth in FY26. The Works’ new strategy, ‘Elevating The Works,’ is delivering tangible results and driving the company towards its ambition of becoming a favorite destination for families.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about The Works’ financial performance, its turnaround plan progress, and the CEO’s outlook for future growth. It includes specific numbers and metrics to support its claims, and while it briefly mentions M&S at the end, it does not focus on that topic.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about The Works’ financial performance and progress against its turnaround plan, with specific numbers and targets. It also includes quotes from the CEO. However, it could benefit from more context on the retail industry challenges and a broader analysis of the company’s strategy.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses The Works’ financial performance, including its adjusted EBITDA and revenue, as well as its turnaround plan. It mentions the company’s progress in improving profitability and growth targets. However, it does not directly impact any specific financial markets or companies.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the text

Reported publicly: www.retailgazette.co.uk