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BUSINESS REFERENCE : AB104 / RightBiz RETAILER & MAIL ORDER COMPANY – SHOOTING & COUNTRY CLOTHING AND OUTDOOR WEAR | | | | | | Retailer & Mail Order Company – Shooting & Country Clothing and Outdoor Wear With onsite coffee shop! Confidentially offered for sale Ref No: AB104 Location: South Lakes, Cumbria Asking Price: £240,000 plus stock at valuation | | | BUSINESS LOCATION: | Undisclosed Cumbria UNITED KINGDOM | | BUSINESS SECTOR: | Retail | | TRADE TYPE: | Cloths & Fabric Shops | | SELLER: | Agent Sale | LEASEHOLD: | £240000 | | | | | | | | | | | BUSINESS DETAILS: | Business Profile:
This superb and diverse business was first established back in 1990 initially attending country fairs and agricultural shows. The business quickly developed from this and the current owners opened their first retail outlet in 1993. Since then the business has grown and carved out a superb reputation both regionally and nationally as a major supplier of quality discounted products in the Lake District. As part of this development the business has developed its own unique brand of country and shooting wear which perfectly compliments the many leading brands of outdoor wear it currently stocks.
The business now resides in a superb purpose build retail building, circa 2400 square feet, with parking for over 25 cars and an on site coffee shops that serves food and beverages to make the shopping experience a truly pleasurable and comfortable one, each and every visit. The shop is currently sub-let by the vendors who earn a rental income but have no involvement in its day to day running.
The business stocks a very substantial range of countrywear, outdoor and shooting clothing and accessories including coats, jackets, trousers/breeks, waistcoats, leggings, treggings, caps, boots, jumpers, shirts, gloves, shoes and hats. Goods can be purchased from the shop as well as the countrywear and shooting wear ranges being available to buy online or via mail order
Mail Order
The mail order service allows customers to purchase products by catalogue, these can be ordered via the Internet site and they can also be placed by phone or post. Catalogues are mailed on a regular basis to the extensive database that runs into thousands.
The Website
The excellent website has a name that is easy to recall and has been designed for ease of use, making purchasing products as easy and enjoyable as possible. The website is fully secure to give customers total peace of mind and offers the convenience of placing an order at home or at work, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The website is divided into separate categories with an easy search and find facility. The online selection of clothing, equipment and accessories is updated seasonally in conjunction with the mail order catalogue. The website offers a selection of popular “own brand” merchandise to online customers.
The majority of sales revenues come via direct retail (75% including coffee shop revenues) with the remaining 25% coming via trade shows(10%) and mail order (15%). It has to be said that the vendors have not promoted the trade shows so much over recent years and this represents a large growth opportunity, especially as the business already has the mobile show infrastructure in place.
The company’s own brand country wear is a real strength of the business. It is of high quality and because the vendors control the manufacture they also control the price. It is well positioned within the market place having supplied the market it serves so effectively for a number of years.
Equipment/Technology:
The business has a full EPOS system and utilises Sage payroll and well as having a PC based computer management system. It also has a full online secure shopping facility. In addition to this the business has a self-contained commercial vehicle with stand that it utilises for the shows as well as a Mercedes Sprinter Van. All equipment is included within the sale price.
Customer Service:
Everything the company sells is guaranteed and they are happy to refund anybody who is not satisfied with their purchase. It has to be stated that this rarely occurs. The business prides itself on taking customer services commitments very seriously. Whether customers purchase in store or place an order by post, telephone or online, staff ensure they are completely satisfied with the order. The company can boast very impressive fulfilment rates of orders being dispatched the same working day to both UK customers and abroad.
Key Strengths:
The business retails a product range of in demand top brand outdoor wear at extremely competitive prices; such is its buying power with its well established suppliers. This is complimented by its own high quality brand of shooting and countrywear. The retail premises are a real strength of this business with easy access, ample parking, on site coffee shop and pleasant and knowledgeable staff. The extensive professional website displays this brand in a stylish and tasteful way. The website has a simple, secure on-line payment and ordering system and accepts payments by major credit cards.
This business has carved out a significant market share within its sector and consistently achieved excellent annual turnover in excess of £500,000. The customer database is vast, many of which are repeat customers.
The business has created a comfortable yet professional working atmosphere with excellent customer and supplier relationships. This has been further cemented by the current staffs’ knowledge and expertise.
Growth and Expansion:
There is unlimited potential within this business; the expansion possibilities are endless due to the fact the company’s structure and premises are such so as to accommodate growth into new areas. The opportunity is ripe for a new owner to broaden the services and products still further by continuing to develop the “own brand” programme as well as pursuing various licensing opportunities that may exist to introduce new brands into the marketplace.
The web site is also a great potential source of new clients, further investment in updating the site to increase the product range and its exposure would generate additional revenues.
Key Opportunities:
Many opportunities exist to expand this unique business model. Key opportunities include expanding the mail order operation and with this further improve the efficiency and handling of customers’ orders and enquiries so as to maximise sales potential. Trade shows are another area. The business started in this area but at present only attends a few shows each year through choice. The business already has the mobile stand and a new owner could certainly increase this area of activity.
Additional marketing initiatives could include targeting specific European countries where shooting and country life is extremely popular. About 5% of current mail order sales are non-UK. There is huge potential in this market.
Employees:
The business is currently run by a husband and wife team on a full time basis. The business also employs 8 shop/sales staff all on a part time basis, many of whom have been with the business for a considerable period of time.
Advertising and Marketing:
The business utilises local press as well as several national shooting magazines (mail-order) to advertise its products and services. It also has a highly informative website that allows for secure online purchasing. In addition to this it regularly sends out mailshots and up to date catalogues to its large customer base.
Premises:
The business operates from superb retail premises purpose built by the owners just a few years back. The business is positioned on a main A road on the edge of the town and very close to the motorway. It has good signage and has parking for over 25 cars. The premises are situated over two floors. The ground floor is mainly retail (outdoor wear) with the coffee shop and kitchen, small office, stock room and customer toilets. The first floor offers further retail floor space and currently houses the countrywear and shooting wear. Total floor space is approx. 4500 square feet. The building is fully air-conditioned, has superb fixtures and fittings and has excellent thermal properties.
The vendors own the freehold and would be happy to negotiate a suitable lease with the new owners subject to negotiation. Rates are currently £6,000 p.a.
In addition to this the business rents an additional 2000 square feet warehouse on an annual basis to store stock. Current rent is £10,000 p.a.
Business Hours:
09.30 -1700 Monday to Friday
0900-1700 Saturday
1000-1700 Sunday
Security:
The building is very secure with full alarm systems and CCTV.
Financial Information:
The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.
The business consistently achieves turnover is excess of £500,000 p.a. Turnover for last year was circa £550,000 with Gross Profits circa £215,000. Current stock holding is circa £300,000.
Reason for Sale:
The owners wish to spend more time in their property abroad.
Support and Training
Full support and training will be provided for a period of time to be negotiated prior t o sale | | | | | CONTACT: | TURNER BUTLER | | TELEPHONE: | 01895 25 6000 | | REFERENCE: | AB104 / RightBiz | | ENQUIRIES: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
