Studio lures Dixons Carphone director to run trading unit

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
May 12, 2020

Value-focused e-tailer Studio has poached Rupert Nichols from Dixons Carphone to be its new trading director. The appointment is part of a strategy to improve the company's retail profitability.

In his new role, Nichols will focus on driving new trading opportunities as well as progressing the retailer’s purchasing and supply chain strategies.

His experience includes roles at Sainsbury’s and DSG  and he was most recently group buying director at Dixons Carphone, the telecommunications company.

Studio, which has recently launched its first app amid plans to shift revenues from its catalogue channel to online, is investing significantly into its digital infrastructure.

Paul Kendrick, managing director of Studio.co.uk, said: “We have ambitious plans to grow and expand our business and with the current challenges across the sector, there’s a lot of work ahead. Rupert’s extensive trading knowledge and experience, particularly in online retail, is a welcome addition to an already strong leadership team, which I have no doubt will help us to achieve our goals.”

With men’s and women’s clothing, as well as home products and electricals, the online department store with an integrated credit option is primed to capitalise on consumer demand for affordable prices.

In the first half to 27 September 2019, Studio Retail Group plc, which also owns the smaller Ace brand, reported adjusted pre tax profits of £13 million on revenues of £228.1 million.