EXCLUSIVEBRANDSOURCING RETAILER/WHOLESALER ...

Total Fiscal 2012 Sales: $8.8 Billion (£ 5.5 Billion) - 6.2%
Percentage of Sales in Exclusive Brands: 5%+ (E)
Principal Business: Established in 2000, Home Retail Group (traded on the London Stock
Exchange: HOME) oversees the United Kingdom’s largest general merchandise retailer and
second largest internet retailer (Argos) as well as a leading DIY and home enhancement retailer
(Homebase). Its total store count: 1,089, operating in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Its
Argos chain of 748 stores commands 71% of Group sales (£ 3.9 billion -7.7%) while Homebase’s
341 stores account for 27% (£ 1,5 billion -2.6%) of those sales.
EB Identities: Alba and Bush (both consumer electronics and toys), Chad Valley (toys), Schreiber,
Hygena (furniture), Elizabeth Duke (jewelry, watches), Argos, Homebase, Jamie Oliver, Qualcast,
Home of Style, etc.
EB skus: N/A
Profile: In a “difficult trading environment,” especially in consumer electronics, Home Retail
Group has watched its sales slip downward since 2010’s high of £ 6 billion. Operating profits
plummeted by 61% to £ 98 million for this current fiscal year. Nevertheless, the company
continues to sharpen its business, while building its own brand portfolio. During the year, it
acquired exclusive us of the Habitat UK brand of household furnishings (furniture, lighting,
interiors, wallpaper, paint and tiling). Plans now call for launching a joint venture company to
develop a multi-channel general merchandise retail business in China with Haier Group, a global
leader in home appliance manufacturing. UPDATE: In October 2012, the company reported plans
to reduce its Argos chain, closing some 75 high-street stores over the next three years and
concentrate more on building its presence as a digital retailer.
Procurement Contacts: N/A
HUDSON BAY TRADING CO., THE
401 Bay St., Suite 500, Toronto, ON, M5H 2Y4 CANADA
Tel: (416) 861-6112
Fax: (416) 861-4720
www.hbc.com
Total 2011 Sales: $6.9 Billion (C$ 7+ Billion) (E)