Hunter struggled in 2016 but this year proves strong

Sandra Halliday

Опубликовано
28 сент. 2017 г.

Sales and profits fell last year at British heritage brand Hunter as it faced “broader challenges” in its US wholesale division that counteracted its investment for growth.

Sales fell almost 10% to £102.9 million and the firm’s adjusted profit on an ebitda basis saw more of a plunge than a simple fall, dropping to £9.2 million from £14.1 million a year earlier.

The company, best known for its rain boots, has been reinventing itself as a more fashion-focused multi product brand.

It had been expecting bad news on 2016’s figures and stayed upbeat with new products and direct-to-consumer sales growth likely to power it to better results for the current financial year.

“In 2016, we took important steps to put Hunter in the strongest position for future growth by continuing to invest in the organisation and operations,” still-new CEO Vincent Wauters said. “We also continue to be focused on ensuring we have the best distribution for our products, which includes diversifying our key wholesale partners and establishing a balanced and scalable direct to consumer platform to realise Hunter’s true potential as a global lifestyle brand.”

That approach has resulted in “positive revenue growth” and “a strong order book” this year with the firm’s e-tail operations seeing higher sales in all of its markets.

In fact, its said its clothing and bag sales have more than doubled this year and its stores are buoyant, especially its Regent Street, London flagship. The company has also been expanding its store quota abroad with a debut in Tokyo.