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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Younger and more digitally-savvy customers help sales rise at Cotton Traders

Younger and more digitally-savvy customers helped sales rise at fashion brand Cotton Traders during its latest financial year.

The Altrincham-based company has reported a 10.6% increase in its turnover for 2022 to £111m while its EBITDA rose by 3% to £12.6m.

Cotton Traders said the number of customers jumped by 17% while its active customer retention improved by 7.5%.

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Almost 80% of its total sales came from direct channels while the remaining was generated through its stores.

The business added that it has seen a "significant shift" in its digital performance, with online sales up by 16.6% and purchases via the Cotton Traders app increasing by 46% year-on-year.

Cotton Traders also said its average new customer age now at 56 years old while the brand's social media activity has secured a 129% increase in new customer acquisition against the previous year.

Chief executive Nick Hamblin said: "Over Cotton Traders' decades of trading, the brand has built long established relationships with its customers based on product quality, service, and trust.

"It's hugely reassuring that this reputation is now extending to record numbers of new, younger customers, who we hope will be the foundation of our business for many years to come."

The figures have been made public by the business itself, with its formal accounts due to be filed with Companies House no later than September 30.

Cotton Traders is a portfolio company of Altrincham-based Corpacq which is run by Sale Sharks co-owner Simon Orange.

It was founded in 1987 by former England national rugby union team captains, Fran Cotton and Steve Smith.

Mr Hamblin added: "2022 saw the brand operating and performing with great consistency, which is not an easy task in what remains a tough retail environment.

"Brand reputation plays a huge part in purchase decisions, and we've invested in the right areas at the right time to enhance all our customer touchpoints."

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