Digitally-led furniture and homewares retailer The Cotswold Company has reported a growth in half year sales.
According to its latest trading update for six months ending 25th August 2024 (FY25 H1), total sales rose 15% to £40.1m. On a five-year basis, the brand’s sales are up 80%, reflecting the long-term success of its investments in brand and product, digital marketing, and strategic store expansions.
The company said that it has experienced a 21% year-on-year increase in active customers, while gross margin increased ‘significantly’ over the period.
E-commerce accounted for 80% of total sales, with growth driven by both customer and conversion rates. Sales via The Cotswold Company’s nine retail showrooms increased significantly driven by new categories and footfall growth as a result of geo-targeted digital marketing.
The company will open its 10th retail store in Stamford in early September after the successful opening in Bath and with several more in the pipeline. The company also has stores in Godalming, Tunbridge, Leamington, Harrogate, Chelmsford, Norwich, Canterbury and a flagship in Stow-on-the-Wold.
In the period, best-selling products were from the Camille Oak range – sales up 90% year-on-year – driven by strong demand for the Camille Oak Rattan Back Chair (sales up 137% year-on-year) and Camille Oak 6 Drawer Chest (sales up 74% year-on-year). Strong growth was also seen across other ranges, including Inglesham Whitewash Oak upholstery – the Group’s standout category – grew 92% year-on-year.
To support its focus on exceptional customer service, the Group recently opened its new depot in Swindon as well as Cotswold Home Delivery Training Academy to expand the availability of its high-quality, white-glove delivery service.
Ralph Tucker, Chief Executive Officer of The Cotswold Company said: “The Cotswold Company continues to go from strength to strength, with sales growth significantly outperforming broader market data over the past six months. We believe this is once again a great endorsement of our strong brand, which is synonymous with great quality and timeless aesthetics, as well as increasing consumer demand for high-quality but affordable products built to last.
“We have a clear strategy to become one of the UK’s leading premium homeware brands. Our investments in our multi-channel proposition, geo-targeted digital marketing, and product and brand to ensure we have a best-in-class customer proposition have all delivered meaningful results.
“This gives us fantastic momentum as we head into the busy Christmas period, which will be enhanced by several exciting new product launches, the opening of new showrooms, and a brand refresh supported by a nationwide TV advertising campaign launching in the Autumn to introduce even more customers to the joys of our timeless and high-quality, made-to-last furniture and homeware.”
