Michael Murray’s Post

THG returns to growth but sticks to revised guidance. The Hut Group has reported its results for the third quarter of the current financial year. The UK owner of Look Fantastic saw revenue dip 2.1% on a constant currency basis for the three months to September 30, 2023. However, according to a report published by Reuters, the month of September saw improved sales with revenue up 3.2% in constant currency. Despite this more positive end to the quarter, the e-commerce operator said it continues to expect revenue to drop in the range of 0-5% for the full year. Beauty sales dropped 4.4% to £272 million, while nutrition fell 4.6% to £156.2 million, and THG’s Ingenuity division saw sales tumble 8.8%. #THG #Nutrition #Beauty #Ecommerce #Sales

As a long-standing shareholder of THG Plc, holding approximately 1.6% of the company, my commitment to its sustainable growth and proper governance is driven purely by considerations of shareholder value, devoid of any personal emotion. I fully support Kelso Group Holdings’ proactive stance in addressing critical issues at the forthcoming AGM. The current market valuation of THG starkly underrepresents the sum of its parts, a view supported by independent evaluations, such as the recent coverage from Peel Hunt. This valuation gap is largely due to strategic stagnation and a lack of transparency from the current leadership, as highlighted in Kelso’s recent communications. It is crucial that we take decisive action now. I urge all shareholders to recognise the long-term benefits of the changes proposed by Kelso, particularly their intention to vote against Resolution 5 concerning the re-election of the Chair. Our focus must be on strategic clarity and enhanced governance to unlock the true potential of THG. Together, let’s ensure our investment decisions are measured, objective, and focused on driving shareholder value.

In the most distrusted brands in Australia, 2 of the top 4 are telcos.🤔 brand matter's which is why the teams at both Boost mobile Australia and MobileX Global are so focused on ensuring our brands remain focused on fighting for consumers everyday. https://lnkd.in/gX_5huV4

THG PLC (LSE:THG) has announced it broke even in 2023 as revenue growth returned in the fourth quarter.  Revenue fell by 8.4% to just under £2 billion in the year to December on a continuing constant currency basis, the e-commerce firm reported on Tuesday. Fourth-quarter continuing revenue climbed by 1.1%, though, driven by THG’s Beauty and Ingenuity brands, bringing a return to growth after sales fell over each of the first three quarters. A return to growth supported the group to cash flow breakeven over the full year, compared to a £215 million outflow recorded in 2022. “A combination of automation and significant cost initiatives delivered in 2022, in addition to a receding inflationary environment, each played a key role,” chief executive Matthew Moulding said. Such automation drove significant cost savings per unit and allowed the company to process more sales over the year, THG said. More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors #LSE #THG http://ow.ly/rjau10592qj

ShareTrip and Cathay Pacific Celebrate Success of “Buy 1 Get 1” Campaign ShareTrip is thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of their recent “Buy 1 Get 1” promotional campaign in collaboration with Cathay Pacific. #ShareTrip #CathayPacific #TravelAgency #PromotionalCampaign #BrandNews #BrandAitivities #BrandUpdate #Brand #BusinessNews #BusinessUpdate #brandpractitioners

#YourBrandisWorthEverything Every one in this world has a brand (what you are known for) and you should strive to develop your brand into something that you desire. Brands like Coca Cola, NAR, Disneyland, Boeing etc. have distinctive looks and standards of delivery which have been developed over time and their customers have consistently got quality service and products. Similarly an individual or business should define how they want to be known by the World and consistently present themselves that way. Gold standard companies invest a significant proportion of their income in delivering and maintaing their image and so should individuals and any other budding businesses. #performance #excellentperformance #attributesofexcellentperformance #trustedadviceseries #mybusinessminute

WINGS OF INNOVATION : THE ICONIC STORY OF REDBULL. Chapter 10: Legacy and Challenges. As Red Bull looks to the future, it grapples with the complexities of maintaining its legacy while navigating an ever-changing landscape. Legacy of Innovation: Red Bull has left an indelible mark on the energy drink industry and popular culture. Its legacy is characterized by a trailblazing spirit that redefined how beverages are marketed and consumed. The brand's innovative approach to product development, marketing, and event sponsorships has set a high standard for others in the industry. Cultural Icon: Red Bull has become more than just a beverage; it is a cultural icon associated with energy, vitality, and a fearless pursuit of challenges. The brand's involvement in extreme sports, entertainment, and cultural initiatives has shaped its identity, resonating with a diverse global audience. Global Reach: With a presence in over 170 countries, Red Bull's global reach is a testament to its successful expansion strategy. The blue-and-silver cans are instantly recognizable, and the charging bulls logo has become a symbol synonymous with energy and adventure on a worldwide scale. Challenges and Opportunities: As Red Bull faces the future, it encounters challenges that include increasing competition in the energy drink market, changing consumer preferences, and scrutiny over the health effects of energy drinks. Adapting to evolving trends, staying ahead of competitors, and addressing health concerns will be crucial for Red Bull's continued success. Diversification and Innovation: To address shifting consumer preferences, Red Bull may continue to explore diversification and innovation. The brand has already ventured into new beverage categories and introduced variations to cater to health-conscious consumers. Future innovation could involve the development of products that align with emerging trends in the wellness and functional beverage sectors. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Red Bull may consider enhancing its focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Embracing eco-friendly practices in production, packaging, and distribution could align the brand with the values of an increasingly environmentally aware consumer base. In conclusion, Chapter 10 acknowledges Red Bull's enduring legacy as a cultural and business phenomenon. It recognizes the challenges the brand faces in a dynamic market while highlighting the opportunities for continued success through innovation, adaptation, and a commitment to the core values that have defined Red Bull's remarkable journey. #startup #strategy #marketing #branding

Do you still purchase a newspaper? 📰 🤔 Today, the news dropped that THG and Matthew Moulding are interested in purchasing the business newspaper City A.M. This raised a debate among the team as to whether we still buy newspapers (collective no's). I sure don't, myself and the team agreed we get all of our news from paperless-sources now. Surely it's faster, cheaper and better for the environment? It's interesting to see how THG is changing, I worked for them 6 years ago and would never have imagined them moving into the media, but the global market has changed drastically and expanding portfolio's is considered more important than ever. #internetcreation #icltd #thg #newspapers #news #cityam

It’s been saddening to read all the negative press about The Body Shop in some sections of the UK media in recent weeks. Coverage that has talked about the brand being something of the past, tired and out of date. It’s saddening because I know of the brilliant work done by the talented people there, and their determination to ensure The Body Shop is a global leader in the beauty industry - and remains important to the millions of customers in the 80+ markets it serves for many years to come. So why I am I illustrating this post with a picture of the World Retail Congress? Well, back in April this year, Ian McGarrigle kindly invited me to give a keynote at the WRC Barcelona conference, which gave me the chance to celebrate all the amazing work that has been done by the fantastic people at The Body Shop and to talk about the importance of retail and purpose in business. And at a times like these, with the company potentially changing hands in the months ahead, I thought I would share their story with a wider audience (whilst giving the brilliant Ian a plug ahead of his next WRC conference in Paris on the 16-18 April 2024). So here is a link to the story of The Body Shop … to the team there - please don’t stop fighting for a fairer more beautiful world! #purpose #purposefulleadership #Bcorp #blab #esg #worldretailcongress #consciousleadership #sustainability #socialimpact #openhiring #retail #retailchangeslives https://lnkd.in/eMkedpug

In the bustling streets of Stockholm, H&M has embarked on an innovative journey that marries style with sustainability. The brand introduced 'Looop,' the world's first in-store garment-to-garment recycling system. This pioneering initiative not only aims to reshape consumer perspectives on old clothes but also sets a new standard for the fashion industry. Looop enables customers to transform their unwanted garments into new fashion favorites, thereby addressing the alarming issue of textile waste. The majority of discarded clothing currently ends up in landfills or incinerators. H&M's Looop challenges this norm by offering a circular solution, visualizing for customers that their old textiles hold value and should never go to waste. Here's how it works: customers can bring their old garments to the store, where Looop disassembles them and spins the material into new yarn, subsequently knitted into fresh fashion items. This process involves no water or chemicals, significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional garment production. But Looop is more than just a recycling machine; it's a statement. H&M is demonstrating its commitment to leading the change towards a sustainable fashion industry. By incorporating such innovative technology in their stores, they not only provide a tangible solution to textile waste but also engage customers in the sustainability journey. Key Takeaways for Brand Marketers: Innovation as a Brand Pillar: Looop showcases how incorporating cutting-edge solutions can elevate a brand's image and directly engage customers in meaningful ways. Transparency Builds Trust: By making the recycling process visible and understandable, H&M fosters a deeper connection with its audience, underlining the importance of openness in sustainability efforts. Empowering Consumers: Looop empowers customers to take part in the sustainability movement, making them active participants in the fashion lifecycle, rather than passive consumers. H&M's initiative serves as an inspiring case study for brands looking to integrate experiential, innovative, and impactful causes into their identity. It highlights the potential of brand experiences to not only create a lasting impact but also to foster brand advocacy among consumers. #brandexperience #innovation https://lnkd.in/dVrrfrW4