Asos blames Royal Mail postal strike for slowing UK growth

[Geezer]

http://www.marketingdirectmag.co.uk/new ... UK-growth/


By Noelle McElhatton, marketingdirectmag.co.uk, 17 November 2009, 1:23pm


The company reported profit of £4.4 million for the six months to September 30, up 9 per cent on the same period last year, on revenues of £96.5 million, up 47 per cent.

But the company said the disruption caused by postal strikes slowed sales growth in Britain to 23 per cent in the seven weeks to November 15. Asos also blamed the weather, rising youth unemployment and credit card debt for the decline in growth.

However overseas sales helped to make up the shortfall, Asos said. Sales to consumers based in America, Denmark, France, Germany and the Republic of Ireland grew, with the company planning to launch country-specific sites next year.

Total sales, including international sales, grew 46 per cent this year compared to 100 per cent for the same period a year ago.

The news comeas as Asos launched ASOSreviews.com, a Twitter-powered feedback and reviews micro-site. The launch follows the debut of ASOS Life, an online community that facilitates interaction and conversation between the brand and its consumers.

Online retail industry body IMRG said that some 85 per cent of online retailers believe that the postal strikes and the threat of further disruption discouraged customers from placing orders.

Asos, like all home shopping sites, made alternative delivery arrangements during the strike days in October and early November

Nick Robertson, chief executive of Asos, said in the Times today: "All the companies we speak to will do everything they can to avoid using Royal Mail. But the reality is, customers don't necessarily join those dots together."

The strikes were called off until the New Year by the Communication Workers Union for negotiations with Royal Mail to resume.

[ass asin]

But the company said the disruption caused by postal strikes slowed sales growth in Britain to 23 per cent in the seven weeks to November 15. Asos also blamed the weather, rising youth unemployment and credit card debt for the decline in growth.

fukc me is there ne one they dont blame. mayb the kids in the third world might take a pay decrease to help them out.

[pinstripe]

I wonder if there is anything we are not being blamed for? Global warming...Posties fault. Global recession....Bankers..sorry, posties fault. George Burley being sacked as Scotland boss...posties fault. Have I missed anything?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

I wonder if there is anything we are not being blamed for? Global warming...Posties fault. Global recession....Bankers..sorry, posties fault. George Burley being sacked as Scotland boss...posties fault. Have I missed anything?

Mayan long calendar ending in 1129 days 6 hours 29 minutes 30 seconds from now, apparently its the end of everything

[pinstripe]

I wonder if there is anything we are not being blamed for? Global warming...Posties fault. Global recession....Bankers..sorry, posties fault. George Burley being sacked as Scotland boss...posties fault. Have I missed anything?

Mayan long calendar ending in 1129 days 6 hours 29 minutes 30 seconds from now, apparently its the end of everything

We're to blame for the end of the world as well? God, the Daily Mail are going to have a field day.

[spoodoo]

WHERE DOES MOST OF THEIR STUFF GET MADE>? SCRATCHES HEAD,,

[dongash]

No doubt the war in afghanistan is our fault as well ???

[DirtyHarry]

Sorry, folks.....but, I've sat on my reading specs, Is the name of that company, ASSHOLES? Bloody strange name for a company, if it is.

[smokerjim]

Don't tell me, Adolf Hitler swore revenge on the postal inspector that refused to employ him and Stalin swore blind to his dying day that the postman didn't knock, just shoved a 739 docket through his Dacha

[smokerjim]

Sorry, folks.....but, I've sat on my reading specs, Is the name of that company, ASSHOLES? Bloody strange name for a company, if it is.

Not quite Harry, but you're close enough

[DirtyHarry]

Sorry, folks.....but, I've sat on my reading specs, Is the name of that company, ASSHOLES? Bloody strange name for a company, if it is.

Not quite Harry, but you're close enough

Thanks, mate. I'll just replace holes with wipes, then.