Hubbry Logo
The Very GroupThe Very GroupMain
Open search
The Very Group
Community hub
The Very Group
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
The Very Group
The Very Group
The Very Group
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Very Group Limited[2] is a multi-brand online retailer and financial services provider in the United Kingdom and Ireland.[3] Its head offices are based in the Speke area of the city of Liverpool, England. The brand was established in November 2005 as a result of the merger of the former Littlewoods and Shop Direct companies. The retailer was known as Littlewoods Shop Direct Group until a corporate rebranding to Shop Direct Group in May 2008. In 2013, the company rebranded to Shop Direct, dropping the 'group' from its name.[4] Shop Direct rebranded themselves to The Very Group in 2020.[5]

Key Information

A business group trading via several digital department stores, The Very Group traces its roots to a variety of mail order companies in northern England, the football pools and mail order business founded by John Moores, as well as the Manchester-based home shopping business of Great Universal Stores. These companies were purchased by Sir David and Frederick Barclay in 2003,[6] and a major business restructuring took place leading to a merger of two companies that had "been arch rivals for the best part of 100 years".[7]

Since the merger of what had been struggling businesses in 2005, ongoing restructuring and modernisation of the company has resulted in Shop Direct emerging as one of the largest online retailers in the UK. Its traditional paper-based and phone-in orders system has been superseded by electronic commerce technology.

The group is now amongst the largest online retailers in the UK, with annual sales of £2.13bn for the year to June 2024, and EBITDA up 8.4% to £267m[8]

The group's brands are Very.co.uk, Littlewoods.com, Very Exclusive and Very Ireland (rebranded from 'Littlewoods Ireland' in July 2022).[9] The former Shop Direct brands are Additions Direct, Abound, Choice, Great Universal, Isme, K&Co, Kays, Marshall Ward and Woolworths. In 2009, The Very Group acquired the brand name of the failed Woolworths Group and re-established it as an online-only operation; this closed in 2015 and the Woolworths UK brand was sold in July 2021 to Woolworth in Germany.[10]

On November 10, 2025, three days after the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission approved the transaction, The Carlyle Group completed the purchase of the company.[11]

History

[edit]

Origins

[edit]
A former Littlewoods branch in Chesterfield, Derbyshire

The Very Group traces its roots to a variety of independent mail order and retail companies in northern England, particularly Littlewoods, the pools and mail order business founded by John Moores, as well as the Manchester-based home shopping business of Great Universal Stores. Other businesses from this time that became part of Shop Direct included K&Co (formerly Kays Catalogues).

Founded by John Moores and his brother Cecil in 1923, Littlewoods was initially a football pools company, which used its network of pools agents and printing company (founded in 1928) to establish itself as a catalogue retailer from 1932 onwards.[citation needed]

In November 2002, the Moores family sold Littlewoods to the Barclay brothers for £750 million.[12]

Littlewoods also owned the Index chain of stores.[13]

The home shopping/catalogues business of Argos and Homebase owner, GUS plc, ARG Equation (which included Great Universal, Kays, Choice and Marshall Ward) was de-merged and bought by the Barclay brothers in 2003, where it became Shop Direct.[citation needed]

Merger: Littlewoods Shop Direct Group

[edit]
The logo of Littlewoods Shop Direct Group, used between 2005 and 2008.

It was announced in March 2005 that part of the Index chain of catalogue shops was to be sold to GUS plc (then owner of Argos) and the remainder was to be closed.[14]

In July 2005, Associated British Foods purchased the 120-branch Littlewoods retail chain on behalf of its retail subsidiary Primark for £409 million. Some of the stores were converted into branches of Primark, and the remainder were sold on to other retailers. The Littlewoods name disappeared from the British high street in March 2006.[citation needed]

Following these disposals, and clearance from the Competition Commission, the Littlewoods home shopping business was formally merged with that of Shop Direct (the former GUS plc home shopping business) in October 2005, to form the United Kingdom's largest home shopping business.[citation needed] The merger was in reality effected in early 2004 when work started on a business optimisation programme, consolidating various business functions.[citation needed]

Following the merger, Littlewoods Shop Direct Group moved its headquarters from Manchester city centre to Skyways House in Speke, south Liverpool.[15]

The then newly appointed chief executive Mark Newton-Jones said the merger had "been the biggest challenge of all – taking two companies that [had] been arch rivals for the best part of 100 years and bringing them together. Not just from an operational point of view, but also two different business cultures".[7]

Post-merger

[edit]

In May 2008, Littlewoods Shop Direct Group announced it would change its corporate brand name to Shop Direct Group, to reflect the multi-branded nature of the business.[16] In July 2008, Shop Direct completed its purchase of the Empire Stores brand name and customer base from mail order competitor Redcats.[citation needed]

In May 2008, Home Delivery Network, previously Shop Direct Group's logistics division, was separated from the group[17] and subsequently renamed Yodel.

With the demise of the Woolworths Group in January 2009,[18] Shop Direct purchased rights to children's clothing brand Ladybird along with the Woolworths trade name from the administrators.[19][20] The takeover of the Woolworths brand by Shop Direct was announced on 2 February 2009,[21] and the new online retailer began trading on 25 June that year.[22] In 2015, the Woolworths.co.uk brand was closed, and in July 2021, the Woolworths UK brand was sold to Woolworth in Germany.[23]

At the start of 2009, Shop Direct predicted growth in online sales, with a spokesperson saying: "We anticipate that 70 per cent of our sales will be online by 2010/11 and, therefore, the future of our business is online-led." It was confirmed in late 2009 that it was on track to achieve 70% of its sales via the internet by 2011. By the end of the 2012/13 financial year, this figure had reached 78%.

In 2013, the company rebranded to Shop Direct, dropping the 'group' from its name.[4]

On 27 October 2017 Shop Direct successfully placed its debut bond.[24]

In 2019, Shop Direct rebranded to The Very Group.

In February 2024, The Very Group took a loan of £125 million from The Carlyle Group and UAE-based International Media Investments in return for a degree of control of The Very Group. The group's finances had been hurt by increasing interest rates, and the directors stated the loan should provide working capital until at least June 2025.[25] In March 2024, The Very Group auditors, Deloitte, announced they had resigned after stating they struggled to access "appropriate and relevant information in respect of certain financing arrangements between companies in the wider group". Very Group's ownership is spread across many different companies, some unaudited, with an ultimate offshore owner.[26]

Intellectual properties

[edit]

Retailers

[edit]

Defunct

  • BargainCrazy[27]
  • ShopDirect.com
  • Littlewoodsireland.ie[28]

Brands

[edit]

Defunct

  • Additions Direct
  • Abound
  • Choice
  • Great Universal
  • Isme
  • K&Co
  • Kays
  • Marshall Ward

Financial services

[edit]
  • Very Financial Services[29]

Defunct

  • Everyday Financial Solutions
  • Shop Direct Financial Services

Operations

[edit]

Very.co.uk, Littlewoods.com and Littlewoods Ireland retail clothing and footwear, electricals, home and furniture, gifts and beauty, outdoor and seasonal, and toys. Very Exclusive sells luxury fashion.[30]

As well as its celebrity brands, Shop Direct previously had a stable of own-brand fashion labels. Today, it operates a 'hero' own brand fashion label, V by Very, alongside Ladybird for children.[31] Alongside the core retail business, Shop Direct owns and operates a financial services business, formerly known as Everyday Financial Solutions, and now known as Shop Direct Financial Services.[citation needed]

In July 2022, the company announced the appointment of Lionel Desclée as its new group chief executive, replacing Henry Birch who held the position for over four years.[32][33]

Locations

[edit]
Shaw National Distribution Centre is Shop Direct Group's main warehousing and returns centre; the base of logistics.

The Very Group's headquarters is Skyways House, a £31 million renovated aircraft hangar, situated in Speke, south Liverpool.[34][35]

Order processing for The Very Group is primarily undertaken at the 'Skygate' facility based in Kegworth, Derby with a smaller number of large items distributed from Bryn Lane, Wrexham. The old distribution centre at Shaw, Oldham comprised six former cotton mills Lily 1, Lily 2, Newby, Rutland, Ash and Dee. Subsequently, Rutland, Ash and Dee mills have been demolished and replaced with new purpose made buildings. It is one of Europe's largest retail distribution centres.[36] The Very Group processes returns at Raven Mill in Chadderton.

On 9 May 2006, the company announced the closure of three warehouses in Eccles, Wigan and Worcester. These closures have taken place, with all operations being transferred to their Shaw and Crompton site. Around 1,200 jobs were lost from the closures, but further jobs were created at the Shaw National Distribution Centre.[37]

In 2016, The Very Group launched a 12,400-square-foot (1,150 m2) training, conferencing and wellbeing facility for its Liverpool HQ staff, calling the building "The Cube".[38]

Relocation of distribution business

[edit]

In Spring 2018, The Very Group announced that 2,000 jobs were at risk from redundancy as the company intends to close three distribution centres and move their distribution business to the East Midlands by 2020.[39]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Very Group

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Very Group is a British multi-brand retailer and financial services provider operating primarily in the and , specializing in , electricals, homeware, and baby products through its flagship brands Very and . Headquartered in , , the company employs approximately 3,100 people and serves 4.2 million active customers, generating £2.1 billion in sales for the fiscal year ending June 2025. Tracing its origins to the , The Very Group's history began with the establishment of the world's first mail-order catalogues by Sir Pryce Pryce-Jones in 1861, evolving through the launch of by the Moores family in and subsequent adaptations to changing retail landscapes over more than 160 years. Formerly known as Shop Direct Holdings Limited, the company transitioned to a fully digital model in the early , merging with other entities and rebranding as The Very Group in 2012 to emphasize its integrated retail and financing offerings. At its core, The Very Group combines with , including credit products like Very Pay, which is regulated by the , alongside insurance, warranties, and delivery options to facilitate flexible shopping experiences. It partners with over 2,000 third-party brands while offering exclusive own-brand collections, operating from a highly automated fulfilment centre powered by to support its sustainability initiatives. In a significant development, the company came under the control of the US-based private equity firm in November 2025, following its role as a major lender since 2021; this marked the end of ownership by the Barclay family, who had acquired the business in 2002 for £750 million amid their broader empire's financial challenges. Despite the ownership shift, The Very Group reported strong financial performance with £307 million in EBITDA for the same period, underscoring its position as one of the UK's largest online retailers.

History

Origins of predecessor companies

Littlewoods was founded in 1923 in by John Moores and two partners, Colin Askham and Joe Collier, as a business, capitalizing on the growing popularity of soccer betting among working-class Britons. Initially operated from a small office, the company quickly expanded by leveraging innovative systems and installment payments, achieving significant profitability during the 1920s economic boom. In 1932, Moores launched Littlewoods Stores to diversify revenue streams and target female customers, introducing catalogs featuring affordable clothing, household goods, and other consumer items sold on credit. This move marked the entry into catalog retail, with the first high-street store opening in in 1937 to complement the mail-order operations. Great Universal Stores (GUS) traces its origins to 1900, when brothers , and Jack Rose established Universal Stores in as a general merchanting and dealing business focused on surplus stock and wholesale trade. Incorporated as a in 1917, it adopted the name Great Universal Stores in 1930 and went public the following year, enabling further expansion into mail-order retailing during the . By the mid-20th century, GUS had become a dominant player in the British catalog sector, emphasizing installment credit and agent-based sales networks to reach rural and working-class households. Key acquisitions bolstered this growth, including Marshall Ward in 1936, which added a established catalog brand specializing in apparel and homeware, and Kays of Worcester in 1937, enhancing its portfolio with another prominent mail-order title. Littlewoods achieved major milestones in the with aggressive expansion into high-street retailing, opening dozens of department stores across the that offered a mix of , home goods, and , reaching around 70 locations by the mid-1960s. Concurrently, the company diversified into leisure sectors, building on its pools business by developing bingo halls and other gaming venues to capitalize on post-war demand for affordable . However, these expansions presented early challenges, including intense competition in retail and fluctuating revenues, prompting Littlewoods to refocus on core catalog and store operations by the late while scaling back less profitable ventures like brief forays into formats.

Formation of Shop Direct

In 2003, the Barclay brothers, who had acquired in 2002 for £750 million, purchased the , , and home shopping businesses of GUS plc for £590 million and merged them with to form Shop Direct Group, creating the 's largest home shopping retailer with combined annual sales of approximately £1.7 billion. Under the ownership of the Barclay brothers' March UK Ltd, the new entity underwent significant restructuring, including the 2005 renaming to Shop Direct Group to reflect the integration of legacy brands like and Kays Catalogue. The mid-2000s marked a pivotal shift toward online-focused strategies, as Shop Direct closed numerous catalogue showrooms—such as 126 Index stores in 2005—and reduced reliance on physical catalogues in favor of platforms, aligning with declining demand for traditional mail-order shopping. These operational changes contributed to early financial performance, with group revenue reaching £1.9 billion in , while workforce numbers were substantially reduced from around at the time of the merger to under through closures of warehouses and stores, including 1,200 jobs lost in from three facilities.

and ownership changes

In May 2008, Littlewoods Shop Direct Group underwent a corporate to Shop Direct Group, aiming to highlight its shift toward digital retail and multi-brand operations while moving away from its traditional roots. This change emphasized the company's growing focus on online sales, which had become a core part of its following the 2003 merger of its predecessor entities that formed the company. Building on this digital pivot, Shop Direct launched Very.co.uk in July 2009 as a dedicated online platform targeting younger shoppers aged 25 to 45, with an emphasis on fashion, home, and technology products. This rebranding of the former Direct brand was accompanied by a refreshed positioning for Littlewoods.com as a complementary site, maintaining its appeal to a broader family-oriented audience while integrating enhanced online features. By January 2020, Shop Direct completed another major rebranding to The Very Group, aligning its corporate identity more closely with its flagship Very.co.uk platform and reflecting the expansion of its multi-brand portfolio, including . The move was intended to streamline branding, attract talent, and signal a new phase of growth in the competitive landscape. Ownership transitioned significantly in the mid-2020s amid financial pressures. In February 2024, The Very Group secured a £125 million funding package from and International Media Investments (IMI), providing immediate liquidity of approximately £85 million to support operations. This debt financing paved the way for Carlyle's full from the Barclay family, announced on November 10, 2025, granting the U.S. investment firm complete control as the largest exercising its rights. The change prompted a strategic refocus on profitability, with the group achieving record adjusted EBITDA margins of 14.7% and earnings growth to £307 million in its latest full-year results, driven by cost controls and customer-centric initiatives amid economic challenges like and reduced .

Corporate structure

Ownership and governance

As of November 10, 2025, The Very Group is under the majority ownership of the global investment firm Carlyle Group, which assumed control from the Barclay family following a series of loans and refinancing agreements that began in 2021 and culminated in a takeover implemented by the end of the year. This shift occurred after Carlyle provided several hundred million pounds in funding, including an £85 million injection in 2024, enabling it to convert debt into equity and seize majority stakeholdership. The company's governance framework is structured around a that oversees strategy, performance, , and long-term value creation for shareholders and stakeholders, supported by specialized sub-committees including the and Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, and ESG Committee, each chaired by a to ensure independent oversight. The board comprises a mix of executive and non-executive directors, with recent appointments in 2024 including Nick Beighton and Paul O'Donnell as non-executive directors, and as chairman in May 2024, enhancing expertise in retail and . Independent non-executive directors play a key role in chairing committees and providing objective guidance on matters. The Very Group's financial services arm, including the Very Pay platform, is authorised and regulated by the (FCA) under Shop Direct Finance Company Limited, ensuring compliant provision of flexible payment options to customers. Key governance policies emphasize corporate responsibility through a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and victimization, alongside commitments to community support, , and sustainable growth, as overseen by the ESG Committee. On diversity, the company promotes gender equity across all levels, with 68% of senior leader promotions in 2024 going to women, alongside initiatives like the "Return and Rise" coaching program for maternity returners and awareness training, contributing to a reduced and silver accreditation from Diversity in Retail. Sustainability reporting is integrated into annual disclosures, targeting net zero emissions by 2040, a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 (with 66% progress achieved since FY21), and enhanced mapping to tier 5 by 2030. Employee benefits include participation in defined contribution schemes, with company contributions totaling £7.8 million in FY25, alongside colleague engagement programs like the "Unbox your career" development initiative and support through 40 trained first aiders. In March 2024, LLP resigned as the group's after 11 years, citing difficulties in accessing financial related to intragroup loans, with MHA subsequently appointed as the new .

Leadership

The Very Group's executive leadership team, comprising key C-suite roles, guides the company's strategic direction with a strong emphasis on and customer-centric innovation. As of 2025, the team oversees a of approximately 3,100 employees, fostering initiatives that enhance online retail experiences and flexible payment solutions. Robbie Feather serves as Group CEO, having been promoted to the role in April 2024 after joining the company in 2021 as Retail Managing Director. Previously the CEO of Fenwick, where he modernized its digital operations, and Commercial Director at Sainsbury’s Argos, Feather has driven The Very Group's focus on growth and operational efficiency since taking the helm. Ed Fry acts as Interim Group , appointed to the position in 2025. Fry joined the company in 2020 and leads a team of 115, bringing prior experience as at iSmash Group and Best Dressed Group, along with qualifications from and roles at . Other senior executives include Sean Hallows as Chief Operations and Technology Officer, who spearheaded the launch of the Skygate fulfilment centre; Jessica Myers as , responsible for and digital enhancements that contributed to sales growth; Nick McBrien as Financial Services CEO, overseeing Very ; Sam Wright as Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, promoted to the role at the start of 2025 to lead commercial efforts generating £1.7 billion in retail sales; and Sarah Willett as Chief People Officer, managing HR strategies since 2019. In October 2025, The Very Group strengthened its leadership with the appointment of Paul Stafford as Head of Retail Media, recruited from to expand media propositions within Very Media Group. This move aligns with broader team evolutions, including Wright's promotion, aimed at bolstering innovation in retail and advertising. Following the Carlyle Group's on November 10, 2025, the executive team continues to prioritize profitability and cost control, building on recent achievements such as a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.7% in 2025. Under Feather's leadership, these efforts have delivered 15.9% growth in adjusted EBITDA to £307.1 million, supporting sustained financial health amid the ownership transition.

Brands and services

Retail platforms

The Very Group's flagship retail platform, Very.co.uk, was launched in 2009 as a multi-category online store targeting a broad audience with offerings in , , goods, and more. It serves as the primary digital storefront, catering to approximately 4.2 million customers across the group's brands and generating the majority of revenue through a diverse product range and integrated payment options. Littlewoods.com operates as a complementary platform, emphasizing value-driven shopping for families with a focus on affordable , home essentials, and everyday items. Established as a longstanding brand, it was repositioned as a sister site to Very.co.uk following the launch, maintaining its appeal to a loyal, budget-conscious customer base while supporting the group's overall digital ecosystem. For cross-border expansion, Very Ireland functions as the group's Irish platform, rebranded from Littlewoods Ireland in July 2022 to align with the flagship. It positions itself as one of Ireland's leading pureplay digital retailers, offering similar multi-category products including fashion, electricals, and furniture to serve local consumers. Among defunct platforms, Isme was an online and catalogue brand merged into Very.co.uk in September 2015 as part of a strategy to consolidate under core brands. Similarly, Woolworths.co.uk, acquired in 2009 and operated as an online retailer, was closed in June 2015 and integrated into Very to streamline operations.

Owned brands

The Very Group's owned brands encompass a range of proprietary product lines and legacy labels that have evolved alongside its retail operations, focusing on apparel, beauty, home goods, and exclusive collaborations. Among its current offerings, the Very Exclusive line features premium collaborations and limited-edition collections, often partnering with designer labels to provide curated, high-end fashion and lifestyle items not available elsewhere on the platform. This includes exclusive apparel sets from brands like Ellesse, such as the Holmrook Sweatshirt & Short Set and Gientra Sweatshirt & Short Set, emphasizing bold, street-style influences with sporty elements. In September 2025, the group launched The Very Collection as its flagship own-label fashion range, consolidating previous lines like V by Very and Everyday into trend-led capsule collections for head-to-toe dressing in apparel, spanning categories from to premium pieces priced between £4 and £250. This own-label portfolio extends to beauty and home products, with a strong emphasis on sustainable materials; for instance, 71% of in own-brand was sourced via the in 2023, and 72% of timber in own-brand furniture was FSC-certified as of the fiscal year ending June 2025. The group has committed to ensuring 80% of textile raw materials in own-brand products are lower impact by 2027, including partnerships like Jeanologia for eco-friendly production. Historically, the company managed several legacy brands that were phased out or migrated in the post- period to streamline operations. Additions Direct, focused on plus-size apparel, was integrated into the broader Very portfolio around 2012. K&Co, a catalog-based brand specializing in and , was migrated to in 2016. Similarly, Marshall Ward, a long-standing direct-mail retailer, was discontinued as a standalone entity post-merger integrations in the early . Other labels like Isme and Woolworths were fully phased out by 2016, with their customer bases and product lines absorbed into Very and to concentrate efforts on core power brands.

Financial services

The Very Financial Services division, overseen by CEO Nick McBrien, operates through subsidiaries Shop Direct Finance Company Limited and VG Consumer Finance Limited, both fully owned by The Very Group and headquartered in . This division provides integrated credit and payment solutions to support the group's retail platforms, emphasizing flexible financing options for customers. In FY25, the division generated £433.6 million in from and similar , representing a key component of the group's total of £2.09 billion. Central to the division's offerings is the Very Account Card, an FCA-regulated product issued in partnership with (Europe) plc, providing customers with credit limits up to £1,500 and access to account management via online portals. The card enables flexible payment plans, including monthly statements and installment options, alongside rewards such as £10 cashback for new applicants on qualifying purchases. It integrates seamlessly with the Very Pay platform, allowing dynamic assessments and personalized plans based on customer data to facilitate budget-friendly shopping. Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) schemes form a core part of the ecosystem, delivered through the Very Pay platform, which supports interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing installment plans regulated under FCA guidelines. These schemes enable customers to spread payments over time, with early settlement options influencing provisions by up to £8.5 million based on a 5% variance in settlement rates. In FY25, the division extended £1.48 billion in advances to customers, managing a book of £1.71 billion, underscoring the scale of facilitation integrated with retail sales. Regulatory compliance remains a priority, with the division adhering to FCA oversight, for credit loss provisioning, and robust audit processes including reviews of correspondence with regulators like the FCA and HMRC. Post the 2024 £125 million loan from and International Media Investments, and the subsequent 2025 refinancing—which replaced £575 million in bonds with £598 million senior secured notes due 2027—the group enhanced through improved capitalization in and statistical models for , monitoring, and expected credit loss calculations using , , and metrics. as a of debtors improved to 4.0% in FY25, down 0.8 percentage points year-over-year, reflecting strengthened controls.

Operations

Business model

The Very Group operates a digital-first as an integrated online retailer and provider, focusing on multi-category merchandise sales through platforms like Very and , complemented by flexible payment options via Very Pay. This model emphasizes a seamless experience, combining over 2,000 third-party brands in electricals, home goods, , and more with in-house financial products to drive customer loyalty and repeat purchases. In FY25, the group generated of £2.1 billion, reflecting a strategic shift toward profitability amid a challenging retail environment. Revenue streams are primarily divided between merchandise sales, which accounted for approximately 79% (£1.65 billion) of , and , contributing the remaining 21% (£434 million) through interest income and ancillary products like and warranties. This balanced approach leverages the scale of third-party brand partnerships to offer diverse, high-demand products without heavy reliance on owned inventory. Despite a 2.2% decline in merchandise sales, driven by softer demand in 2025, the model sustained stability with Very revenue holding nearly flat at £1.83 billion. The group's performance metrics underscore the effectiveness of its operational strategy, with 4.2 million active customers and 1.4 million daily website visits supporting robust engagement. Adjusted EBITDA reached a record £307 million in FY25, up 15.9% from the prior year, achieving a margin of 14.7%—the highest in the company's history—through disciplined cost controls that saved £20-30 million and data-driven initiatives enhancing customer targeting and retention. These efforts, including AI-powered recommendations and platform migrations like Skyscape, mitigated sector headwinds such as the sales drop and positioned the group for sustained growth in a digital retail landscape.

Supply chain and distribution

The Very Group's supply chain and distribution operations emphasize , , and technological integration to ensure efficient product fulfillment for its online retail platforms. The company's highly automated fulfillment centers process approximately 44.8 million items annually, enabling rapid order processing with the fastest turnaround time recorded at 21 minutes. These facilities operate on , supporting the group's broader commitment to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 67% compared to FY21 levels. To handle last-mile delivery across the and , The Very Group partners with providers such as Yodel Delivery Network and Arrow XL, which facilitated transactions totaling £44.2 million and £36.7 million respectively in FY24. These collaborations ensure reliable and scalable distribution, with a focus on high-quality service and value optimization through multiple carriers. Inventory management is enhanced by AI-driven , which analyzes to optimize stock replenishment, pricing, and product availability, resulting in a slight reduction in closing inventory to £105.0 million in FY24 from £105.7 million the previous year. In 2024, the group navigated significant challenges, including cost inflation from global disruptions such as shipping issues, elevated input prices, wages, and utilities, alongside the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates. To build resilience, The Very Group implemented dual sourcing strategies, mapped tiers up to level 3 (with plans to reach level 5 by 2030), and mapped 90 factories across 25 countries as part of and transparency efforts. These measures, combined with disciplined cost management that reduced distribution costs to £207.7 million in FY24 from £219.4 million in FY23, helped maintain operational stability and minimize disruptions.

Locations and facilities

Headquarters

The Very Group's global headquarters is located at Skyways House, Speke Road, Speke, Liverpool, L70 1AB, where it consolidated its operations in 2015 under a 20-year lease. Originally a Grade II*-listed former aircraft from , the facility underwent significant refurbishment to serve as the central hub for the company's administrative and strategic functions. Skyways House supports key areas such as executive leadership, , and operations. The 12,400-square-meter space features an open-plan layout with dedicated zones for , including breakout areas, meeting rooms, and hubs designed to foster creativity and teamwork. In the early 2020s, the headquarters was expanded and reconfigured to adapt to a permanent hybrid working model following the , emphasizing flexible spaces for in-office while supporting . This transformation included the addition of gender-neutral facilities, accessible communal areas, and reimagined office environments to enhance employee well-being and productivity. Sustainability features integrated into Skyways House include energy-efficient upgrades such as improved building fabric insulation to Level 2 standards, solar control glazing on windows to reduce heat gain, and a modernized HVAC system for optimized climate control and lower energy use. These enhancements align with the company's broader environmental goals, contributing to reduced operational carbon emissions.

Distribution centers and relocation

The Very Group's primary distribution facilities include the Skygate fulfillment center located at Gateway in , , which handles the majority of order processing and fulfillment for its online retail operations. This state-of-the-art site, spanning 850,000 square feet, processes approximately 94% of customer orders and incorporates advanced to enable rapid dispatch, with orders fulfilled in as little as 17 minutes during peak periods. The Skygate facility is powered by . Complementing Skygate, the Bryn Lane distribution center in Wrexham Industrial Estate, , specializes in handling larger items and provides additional capacity for bulky goods distribution across the . The group previously operated the Mill returns processing facility in , , which managed product returns until its transfer to a partner in 2019 and subsequent integration into broader operations by 2021. In 2018, The Very Group announced a major relocation of its core distribution operations from sites in the North West of England to the , primarily to the Skygate facility, aiming to enhance logistics efficiency through better access to rail and networks. This strategic shift, which unfolded through 2020 and was fully completed by 2022, involved consolidating fulfillment activities and resulted in the redundancy of around 2,000 roles in , though the company committed to supporting affected employees with redeployment opportunities where possible. The move was driven by cost savings, including an estimated reduction of one million road miles annually via improved freight connections at East Midlands Gateway, thereby streamlining processes and supporting scalability. To address growing demands, The Very Group implemented significant automation enhancements at Skygate, initially through a with KNAPP in 2021 that introduced robotic systems for picking, sorting, and packing. Further optimizations in 2024 and 2025 focused on integrating AI-driven inventory management and expanding conveyor networks, enabling the facility to handle peak volumes during events like Black Friday and 2024 without delays, processing nearly 45 million items annually across the group. Following the Carlyle Group's acquisition of controlling ownership in November 2025 via a debt-for-equity swap, The Very Group plans to use the strengthened capital base for increased investments in technology and to support long-term growth.

References

  1. https://www.globaldata.com/company-profile/the-very-group-ltd/
  2. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/09/us-private-equity-giant-poised-to-take-over-online-retailer-the-very-group
  4. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/our-history/
  5. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/littlewoods-plc
  6. https://academic.oup.com/book/4250/chapter/146098916
  7. https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/littlewoods-organisation-plc
  8. https://www.company-histories.com/GUS-plc-Company-History.html
  9. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Great_Universal_Stores
  10. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Marshall_Ward
  11. https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Kay_and_Co
  12. https://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/3/Littlewoods-plc.html
  13. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-68168231
  14. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2003/may/27/money
  15. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2941910.stm
  16. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2005/apr/18/2
  17. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/index-brand-disappear-barclay-brothers-pull-catalogue-shopping-retailer/471122
  18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4453681.stm
  19. https://www.retail-week.com/finance/the-catalogue-retailer-comes-of-age-online/5025805.article
  20. https://www.theverygroup.com/files/Results/2017/Annual-report-and-accounts-2016-17.pdf
  21. https://shopdirectinthespotlight.wordpress.com/
  22. https://homeofdirectcommerce.com/news/littlewoods-group-rebrands-cdms-becomes-independent/
  23. https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/shop-direct-tasks-vccp-rebranding-littlewoods-direct-verycouk/916399
  24. https://www.retail-week.com/littlewoods-direct-to-undergo-very-rebrand/5003658.article
  25. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2020/shop-direct-rebrands-to-the-very-group/
  26. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2019/shop-direct-to-rebrand-to-the-very-group/
  27. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2024/the-very-group-announces-long-term-strategic-partnership-with-carlyle-and-imi-and-a-robust-q2-performance/
  28. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2025/11/the-very-group-announces-takeover-by-us-investment-firm-carlyle/
  29. https://fashionunited.com/news/business/the-very-group-shifts-focus-to-profitability-achieves-record-margin/2025102468862
  30. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-10/carlyle-takes-over-barclay-family-s-online-retailer-very-group
  31. https://news.sky.com/story/carlyle-seizes-control-of-online-retailer-very-group-13467453
  32. https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Investment-group-carlyle-takes-control-of-very-group-from-barclay-family%2C1781197.html
  33. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/corporate-governance/
  34. https://www.theverygroup.com/files/Results/2025/eoy/the-very-group-fy25-annual-report.pdf
  35. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2024/the-very-group-appoints-nadhim-zahawi-as-non-executive-chair/
  36. https://www.theverygroup.com/privacy-policy/
  37. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/diversity-inclusion/
  38. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2024/a-statement-from-the-very-group-auditor/
  39. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-20/barclay-family-s-very-group-dealt-blow-as-auditor-deloitte-quits
  40. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2024/the-very-group-promotes-robbie-feather-to-group-ceo/
  41. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/meet-our-team/
  42. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2025/the-very-group-appoints-ed-fry-as-interim-cfo/
  43. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2025/very-media-group-strengthens-leadership-team-with-appointment-of-paul-stafford/
  44. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2025/customer-focus-and-diligent-cost-control-delivers-record-earnings-growth-at-the-very-group/
  45. https://www.theverygroup.com/about-us/our-brands/
  46. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2022/littlewoods-ireland-rebrands-to-very/
  47. https://www.drapersonline.com/news/shop-direct-merges-isme-into-very
  48. https://www.retail-week.com/the-very-group/shop-direct-closes-woolworths-site-as-brand-name-sell-off-speculation-begins/5075458.article
  49. https://www.very.co.uk/designer-brands
  50. https://www.very.co.uk/ellesse-womens-very-exclusive-holmrook-sweatshirt-amp-short-set-white/1601091514.prd
  51. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2025/very-elevates-fashion-proposition-with-new-own-brand-range-the-very-collection/
  52. https://www.theverygroup.com/sustainability/product/
  53. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2021/very-drives-sustainable-denim-progress-with-jeanologia-partnership/
  54. https://www.theverygroup.com/files/Results/2016/Annual-report-and-accounts-2015-16.pdf
  55. https://www.very.co.uk/creditcard.page
  56. https://very-quickcheck.capitalone.co.uk/
  57. https://www.very.co.uk/verypay.page
  58. https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-upgrades-the-very-group-limited-to-b-outlook-negative-10-04-2025
  59. https://www.theverygroup.com/files/Results/2024/EOY/TVG-FY24-Annual-Report.pdf
  60. https://www.theverygroup.com/files/Results/2023/The-Very-Group-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-1.pdf
  61. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2023/the-very-group-selects-aws-to-transform-the-shopping-experience-with-generative-ai/
  62. https://realassets.ipe.com/propertyeu/uk-skyways-headquarters-of-pure-play-online-retail-giant-hits-market/10078958.article
  63. https://www.greenmountprojects.co.uk/projects/the-very-group-skyways-house/
  64. https://www.theverygroup.com/locations/
  65. https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/inside-very-groups-transformed-hq-20156643
  66. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2021/making-hybrid-happen-how-were-rethinking-ways-of-working-at-very/
  67. https://www.retail-week.com/people/in-pictures-the-very-group-unveils-refurbished-hq-ready-for-hybrid-working/7036949.article
  68. https://www.cuddbentley.co.uk/portfolio-item/skyways-house-speke-liverpool/
  69. https://www.theverygroup.com/sustainability/environment/
  70. https://theverygroup.jobs/locations/east-midlands-location
  71. https://www.knapp.com/en/newsroom/press/the-very-groups-automated-fulfilment-facility/
  72. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2019/shop-direct-announces-agreement-to-transfer-returns-activity-to-clipper-logistics/
  73. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/online-retailer-shop-direct-pull-14517754
  74. https://www.theverygroup.com/media/news/2020/blog-the-skys-the-limit-at-our-new-fulfilment-centre/
  75. https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2025/1/14/the-very-groups-skygate-automated-fulfilment-centre-produces-results-over-christmas-and-black-friday-period
  76. https://www.business-live.co.uk/retail-consumer/new-owner-very-group-carlyle-32843130
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.