Major retailers are failing to keep in touch with their target markets

Retailers like the Arcadia group are failing because they are not in touch with their target markets, say leading tax and advisory firm, Blick Rothenberg

Daniel Burke, a partner at the firm said: “ It is very sad to see our high street being torn apart. Arcadia have been a powerhouse for many years, but in recent times they have been failing. They have been over reliant on store sales (which are not now open) and their online sales have lagged – they are simply not in touch with their target market.

He added: “ Arcadia said the pandemic ‘has had a material impact on trading across our businesses.’ But this is the same for everyone else, so what have they got wrong?

Topshop for example is simply not what it was. In the not-so-distant past Kate Moss designed for them and that was a big hit at the time. But since then, Topshop has not done anything on that sort of scale. I expect they are sitting on a significant amount of stock they cannot sell.

Daniel said: “ The Group also has a significant property portfolio, and even before Covid their target market were looking to follow online retailers like Boohoo and Asos. They have therefore been hampered by significant rent costs, and more importantly a weak digital presence.”

He added: “ Consumers want to see sustainable products from retailers now. Topshop has a fast fashion business model, mass producing garments cheaply and shipping them worldwide. However, many consumers now are very interested in firms’ sustainable practices.

“If the brands within Arcadia Topshop, Burton and Dorothy Perkins are rescued the new owners will need to do something very different.”