ScS looks to drive online sales

Jan 8 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

RE-BORN furniture firm ScS has awarded a new web development contract to a North East agency as it looks to drive online sales in what is shaping up to be a challenging year for retailers.

The Sunderland company, which was rescued from administration last year, has awarded the contract to North Shields web developer Armadillo Creative.

Over the next year Armadillo will undertake the website rebuild project which ScS hopes will significantly boost its e-marketing capabilities.

ScS director Kevin Royal said the contract would bolster the furniture firm’s armoury in the challenging year ahead.

“In these challenging times, any avenue that can generate growth is a very good thing. We expect our web sales operation to be one of our very top branches in the country. We believe the new website can be a powerful brand extension and a strong commercial opportunity.”

Last September ScS was bailed out of administration by Sun European Partners for an undisclosed fee after an insurer refused to cover five suppliers against the furniture chain being unable to pay them. It had suspended its shares on the stock exchange, entered negotiations with the private equity firm and put itself into administration.

But the brand looks well on the way to recovery and has agreed a £10m deal with Newcastle-based agency Martin Tait Redheads to regenerate the business.

Armadillo will develop the ScS website into a full e-commerce store enabling customers to buy online. Pam Stewart, client services director at Armadillo, said: “This is a large and important project for the agency and it’s great to keep such a big development project like this in the region during the current climate.”

PAGE TWO: Andrew Mernin looks at what 2009 has in store for e-tailers.