The Very Group

The Very Group bolsters Hello Studio senior leadership team

HelloStudio, the in-house creative agency of online retailer the Very Group, has appointed Beth Lowry as head of creative direction. Lowry brings more than 20 years of experience to the Liverpool-based agency, having worked in the UK and United States.  For the past six years, she has held a senior…

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Today’s news in brief-23/5/25

Tesco UK CEO Matthew Barnes has stepped down after just one year in the role to pursue other opportunities. He will be replaced by Ashwin Prasad, Tesco’s current chief commercial officer, from 30 June. Prasad brings extensive retail experience, having been part of Tesco’s executive team since 2020. Meanwhile, Natasha…

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Today’s news in brief-15/4/25

Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…

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Former Very Group CEO to take over as Halfords boss

Halfords has announced that Graham Stapleton is stepping down as CEO, with Henry Birch replacing him in the role. Stapleton has led Halfords for over seven years, and during his tenure has helped see annual revenues grow from £1.1bn to £1.7bn, with more than half of sales now service-related. Henry…

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Today’s news in brief-4/4/25

Manchester-based online retailer THG has successfully completed its debt refinancing, extending arrangements until December 2029. The refinancing includes a partial extension of its Term Loan B to €445m (£376.6m), a £74m repayment of Term Loan A, and the extension of a £150m revolving credit facility to May 2029. The move…

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Very Group expands creative capabilities by launching HelloStudio

The Very Group has announced the launch of HelloStudio, which aims to bring the power of its data-led creative capabilities to external brands. It said the new proposition will provide a multi-channel creative service which taps into the latest technology, offering “bespoke and tailored content that connects brands to their…

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Can Boohoo’s rebrand solve its fast fashion woes?

In the run-up to Boohoo announcing its name change to Debenhams Group, the fashion business had battled an onslaught of media scrutiny – and we’re only halfway through the 2020s. Let’s recap this chain of events: in 2020, a Sunday Times investigation found that Boohoo suppliers in Leicester were getting…

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The Very Group announces the National Literary Trust as new charity partner

The Very Group has announced that the National Literary Trust will be its charity partner for the next three years.  The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity which works with schools, communities and partners across the UK to empower children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they…

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Today’s news in brief-20/2/25

Fashion retailer Quiz has appointed administrators to its subsidiary Zandra Retail, resulting in the closure of 23 loss-making stores and the loss of around 200 jobs. Advisory firm Teneo will oversee the administration process, while Orion Retail Limited, owned by Quiz’s founding family, will acquire certain assets, including 42 stores,…

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Very Group HY profits rebound despite sales drop

The Very Group has returned to profitability posting a pre-tax profit of £6.1m for the 26 weeks ended 28 December 2024, despite a drop in sales. The company’s revenues saw a 4.5% decrease to £1.17bn during the period, with revenue for the Very UK brand down 3% to £1.02bn. Very…

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