Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has stepped in as interim chief executive of Robert Dyas as the high-street chain battles declining sales and changing consumer habits.
Paphitis, who owns the business through the Theo Paphitis Retail Group, said he had taken a more direct role in the company’s leadership in recent months in an effort to stabilise operations and reshape the brand’s strategy in what he described as a “testing time” for the retailer.
The 66-year-old businessman, widely known for his appearances on the BBC programme Dragons’ Den, said he increased his involvement last summer to “steady the ship and refocus the strategic direction” as the company faces a tougher trading environment on the UK high street.
Robert Dyas, which operates 93 stores across the UK, has been grappling with declining footfall and softer consumer demand. Like-for-like sales fell by 5 per cent in the year to the end of March, with the company blaming reduced shopper traffic and unusually mild seasonal weather that dampened demand for some of its core products.
The retailer also experienced a slowdown following a surge in sales the previous year during the height of the cost-of-living crisis. At that time, customers had flocked to purchase energy-saving products such as air fryers, dehumidifiers and related accessories, boosting demand across the sector. As household spending patterns normalised, however, sales momentum faded.
In response, the company said it has begun implementing a series of strategic changes aimed at revitalising the brand. These include reviewing its product ranges, sharpening its focus on traditional home and garden categories, and expanding in-store services designed to drive customer engagement.
Although Robert Dyas has faced a more difficult trading period, other businesses within the group have reported stronger performance. The stationery chain Ryman delivered improved results, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rising 20.5 per cent to £1.94 million in the most recent financial year. The company expects that figure to grow further to around £3 million in the current year.
Ryman’s recovery has been driven by improved margins, the expansion of its own-brand arts and crafts ranges and the introduction of additional services across both physical stores and online platforms. The retailer is also experimenting with new store formats, including combined outlets with Robert Dyas, partnerships with the Post Office and the rollout of a new “Ryman Design” concept.
Meanwhile, lingerie brand Boux Avenue has also delivered improved results, reporting a significant increase in profitability. Earnings improved by £6.4 million following a 6.9 per cent rise in sales and stronger profit margins. The company expects EBITDA to reach at least £4 million in the current financial year after a strong Christmas and Valentine’s trading period that delivered double-digit growth.
Paphitis has built a reputation over several decades for turning around struggling retail businesses. He first rose to prominence after rescuing the stationery chain Ryman from administration in 1995. He later moved into the lingerie sector by acquiring the UK arm of La Senza in 1998, successfully reviving the business before selling his stake in 2006 for a reported £100 million.
He subsequently founded Boux Avenue before expanding further into the homewares sector by acquiring Robert Dyas in 2012 for approximately £10 million. The purchase came after the 140-year-old ironmongery and homewares retailer had been put up for sale by its lenders.
Reflecting on the challenges facing traditional retailers, Paphitis said heritage brands must constantly adapt to remain relevant in an era when consumer behaviour is rapidly shifting toward online shopping and digital marketplaces.
“We are in a time where other heritage brands, such as WH Smith, have disappeared from the high street,” he said. “It’s a stark reminder to retailers that they must constantly evolve, remember their purpose and give customers a reason to visit their stores.”
He added that modern consumers are more willing than ever to switch between brands and retailers because of the abundance of online choices available.
Despite the difficult trading environment, Paphitis said he believes Robert Dyas can regain momentum through sharper product positioning, stronger store experiences and a renewed focus on its core home and garden categories.
The appointment signals a more hands-on approach from the entrepreneur as he attempts to steer the retailer through what he described as one of the most challenging periods for high street businesses in recent years.
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Theo Paphitis steps in as interim CEO of Robert Dyas to lead turnaround