Shoe firm Dr Martens puts best foot forward

Boot and shoe maker Dr Martens, a favourite of generations of rock music icons, including Gwen Stefani, pictured, has stepped out in style with a double-digit jump in sales during the crucial festive trading period.
Gwen Stefani: Fan of Doc Martens. Picture: GettyGwen Stefani: Fan of Doc Martens. Picture: Getty
Gwen Stefani: Fan of Doc Martens. Picture: Getty

The iconic British brand, which has just been acquired by private equity firm Permira in a £300 million deal, said total UK retail sales were up by 65 per cent in December, compared with a year earlier. It has been aided by store openings including a branch on Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

Stripping out the additional selling space, like-for-like sales in the UK were 20 per cent higher, as were global revenues. Group e-commerce sales were up 36 per cent.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chief executive David Suddens said: “We had a good Christmas in all regions and all channels and didn’t have to discount early to get growth.

“The new year has started well and the rest of the year looks set to be strong.”

Following the deal with Permira, the Northamptonshire-based Griggs family, who have been making shoes since 1901, will retain a stake in the business.

Related topics: