Building on our core strengths
Our core strengths and competitive advantage create a compelling proposition capable of delivering long-term great value for all stakeholders.
Our key inputs
Our proposition and how we create value
Design and innovate
- Identify and bring desirable and on-trend products to the UK market.
- Unique own-brand products developed by in-house design studio and buying teams in conjunction with suppliers.
- New product lines launched throughout the year.
- Four specialist categories: Books, Toys and Games, Arts and Crafts and Stationery complemented by seasonal offerings.
13
own brands
9
sub-brands
4,400
new product lines introduced in FY25
Source and distribute
- Experienced buying team sources and curates product ranges, including popular brands to complement own-brand offer.
- Relationships with approximately 220 suppliers.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure product safety and quality control.
- Warehousing and store distribution undertaken from 157,000 sq ft facility in Coleshill, Birmingham.
c.220
stock suppliers
157,000
sq ft retail warehousing and distribution facility
Sell to customers through convenient channels
- Diverse store estate including high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, factory outlets and garden centres.
503
stores
Design and innovate
- Identify and bring desirable and on-trend products to the UK market.
- Unique own-brand products developed by in-house design studio and buying teams in conjunction with suppliers.
- New product lines launched throughout the year.
- Four specialist categories: Books, Toys and Games, Arts and Crafts and Stationery complemented by seasonal offerings.
13
own brands
9
sub-brands
4,400
new product lines introduced in FY25
Source and distribute
- Experienced buying team sources and curates product ranges, including popular brands to complement own-brand offer.
- Relationships with approximately 220 suppliers.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure product safety and quality control.
- Warehousing and store distribution undertaken from 157,000 sq ft facility in Coleshill, Birmingham.
c.220
stock suppliers
157,000
sq ft retail warehousing and distribution facility
Sell to customers through convenient channels
- Diverse store estate including high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, factory outlets and garden centres.
503
stores
The value we create
Our people
We provide employment and a rewarding career for approximately 3,700 colleagues.
3,700
colleagues
Our community
£55k
fundraising in FY25 for Mind, SAMH, Inspire and the National Literacy Trust. Many other local charities supported at store level
Our shareholders
We are focused on realising significant growth potential through generating medium-term profit growth and enhanced shareholder value.
Our suppliers
Indirectly support employment across our extensive supplier network.
220
suppliers
Our customers
We offer affordable, accessible, good quality products to inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
Related pages
