Annual Report 2012/13 - Clas Ohlson
Annual Report 2012/13 - Clas Ohlson
Annual Report 2012/13 - Clas Ohlson
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New markets – the key to international<br />
expansion<br />
New markets will become increasingly significant for <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong>’s future<br />
growth. With e-commerce platforms and more than <strong>13</strong>0 stores throughout<br />
Sweden and Norway, opportunities for continued store expansion are limited.<br />
During the financial year, <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong> continued to expand in Finland by<br />
launching six new stores and an e-commerce platform, and growth potential in<br />
coming years remains favourable.<br />
Our expansion n the UK<br />
Although <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong> continues to expand in the UK, the company has adapted to prevailing<br />
market conditions. During the financial year, we focused on developing our existing<br />
12 stores and launching an e-commerce platform. Surveys in our stores show that customers<br />
are generally positive to our business concept in terms of product range, prices<br />
and service, and that they would happily recommend <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong> to others. Our product<br />
range, stores and service are a new and welcome feature in the UK retail sector.<br />
The continued weak economy in the UK also impacts <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong>. The numbers of<br />
visitors who make purchases and the average sales value per customer are lower than<br />
in our other markets. Both brand awareness and sales developed positively during the<br />
financial year. We intensified our marketing and continued to develop our offering and<br />
sales channels. We predict major long-term potential for our operations in the UK.<br />
Preparing for new markets<br />
<strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong>’s business concept is considered competitive in new European markets.<br />
No other chain currently offers a similar concept in central store locations. The continued<br />
development of <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong>’s product range and sales channels, including the new e-<br />
shopping platform, will provide further growth potential.<br />
Market research, competitor surveys and the translation of product manuals and information<br />
have now commenced for German-speaking markets. <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong> is scheduled<br />
for launch in a fifth market, with one to two stores in northern Germany and an<br />
e-commerce platform, by 2014. Germany is considered an attractive market with robust<br />
city retail, households with relatively high purchasing power and a competitive situation in<br />
which <strong>Clas</strong> <strong>Ohlson</strong>’s offering can be distinctive.<br />
Operations 19