28 Sep 2012

Pumpkin Patch targets online growth

10:14 am on 28 September 2012

Children's clothing retailer Pumpkin Patch is targeting online for sales growth.

The listed firm lost $27.5 in the year to the end of July after restructuring its head office and closing stores in Britain and America.

Higher sales in New Zealand and Australia boosted revenue by 3% to about $300 million, with Australia making up $208 million of that, with sales online making up a tenth of business.

Retailers are under pressure from prudent shoppers and intense competition.

Pumpkin Patch's chief executive Neil Cowie says developing its online service is a key focus.

Mr Cowie says online sales are currently at 11%, which is on average double what most other retailers are doing in the same area.

He says retail and online are merging and retailers need to understand the multichannel focus which he says Pumpkin Patch understands and has embraced.