Mountain Warehouse, the outdoor clothing retailer, celebrates a surge in sales, reaching an unprecedented high and signaling plans for an accelerated store expansion. The company, boasting 370 stores across eight countries, aims to open new stores weekly until Christmas and up to 50 in the upcoming year, including its inaugural stores in Australia.
Despite facing a modest £1.5 million loss attributed to increased freight and energy costs, Mountain Warehouse experienced a robust rebound. Notably, H1 sales soared to a record £171 million by the end of August, accompanied by underlying profits of £6.7 million. The company’s revenue for the 12 months ending February reached £371 million, marking its highest point in 26 years.
The success was evident during the busiest Black Friday weekend ever, with sales surpassing £10 million. Founder Mark Neale debunked the misconception surrounding physical stores’ decline, emphasizing the resurgence of their stores and customers’ dual preference for online and offline channels.
Mountain Warehouse strategically focuses on larger stores, particularly in retail parks, contributing to its growth trajectory. Plans include store openings in former Topshop and Wilko branches, enabling a more extensive product range. Larger stores offer dedicated sections for skiwear and showcase the acquired Animal lifestyle brand.
Expansion efforts span new stores in Hereford, Lancaster, Cromer, Gloucester, Exeter, Bedford, Bristol, Northallerton, Cwmbran, London’s Covent Garden, Warsaw, Canada, and New Zealand. The company’s commitment to growth is exemplified by the highly successful new store opening in Norwich, hailed as the most successful in its history.
Mountain Warehouse’s resilience and adaptability position it as a frontrunner in the ever-evolving retail landscape, poised for continued success.
