ProCook has reported strong growth for the first half of the year, driven by a solid performance in stores and excellent ecommerce figures. The retailer is positive about the results given the challenging market and the” huge task” of integrating high street retailer Steamer Trading Cookshop (acquired in January).
Half-year sales for ProCook were up 11% on the previous year, with like for like sales up by 5%. Bricks and mortar retail sales remained level with last year. However, ProCook’s own website (procook.com) was up by a substantial 28%. The retailer also continued to perform steadily on Amazon marketplaces. Meanwhile the acquisition of Steamer Trading Cookshop has resulted in 13 out of 27 acquired stores undergo a full transition into ProCook stores, with other Steamer Trading branches closing.
“Retail remains challenging but increasingly exciting for multichannel offerings such as ours,” commented ProCook’s ceo Steve Sanders. “With 13 new stores under our belt and a newfound presence on the high street, we are excited to see what is to come for ProCook as we make our way through the second half of the year.”
Steve continued: “Considering the weakness in the market, we are satisfied with our results and our ability to continue to grow the business – something which is down to the hard work and determination of the entire ProCook team.”
Company founder, Daniel O’Neill reported: “ Absorbing the Steamer Trading business into ProCook has been a huge task, much bigger than I imagined. The distraction to our core business was significant and reflected in our subdued growth compared to previous years. With the 13 stores we’re retaining now rebranded ProCook, our team has been able to re-focus on our core offer and already we are seeing growth figures return to our previous levels.”
Daniel concluded: “Now with 50 stores in outlet centres, garden centres and the high street and an exciting new product offering for the peak trading period I am very excited for the remainder of this financial year and the future.”
Top: ProCook has reported a strong performance for the half year.
