US contract cheers Whittard of Chelsea
Store openings continue for specialist retailer
Tea and coffee retailer Whittard of Chelsea has seen a positive reaction from US consumers to its ranges of kitchenware.
Chairman Richard Rose has told shareholders that the first goods shipped to a major US retailer under a new contract have received excellent feedback. Whittard has a supply deal with US discount retailer Target.
He said: “As a result they are offering us the opportunity to develop products for other trading periods which we believe will lead to further growth for the Whittard brand across the US.”
The retailer’s shop opening programme is progressing well, with two new outlets opened and plans are for nine more during October and November.
Rose said: “Like-for-like sales and margin for the current year to date remain in line with expectation.
“Early reaction to our Christmas gift lines has been positive, which is very encouraging as we enter this important trading period.”
