Following Dr. Ettenson’s presentation to the Global Forum, Ben Phillips, Managing Director of Steamer Trading, a leading retailer for housewares and home products in the United Kingdom offered the group his insights on the UK market and his strategic vision for Steamer Trading.
His key points included:
– Steamer Trading currently has 34 stores in the UK (although none in London proper at the moment).
– Their total annual turnover is GBP 30 million
– They plan on having 50 stores by 2017
– The UK is currently the number three market for U.S. Suppliers
– Steamer Trading has experienced 31% average annual growth
– The internet will be Steamer Trading’s largest store in 2016
Mr. Phillips’ PowerPoint is available to IBC members here.
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About the Speaker:
Ben Phillips
Managing Director
Steamer Trading Limited
Ben Phillips is the Managing Director of Steamer Trading Cookshops, a home and housewares specialty retailer in the UK. Steamer Trading Limited was founded in 1985 by Mr. Phillips’ parents. He joined the company in 2001 to oversee the growth of the business from a single store to the current expansion to 34 stores.
Despite having been born into a family of retailers, Mr. Phillips’ career was with Credit Suisse First Boston, where he spent 11 years as Managing Director with responsibility for consumer products and retail.
