Dunelm has doubled its online presence in a move to acquire its rivals WS Group.
The homewares retailer has bought WS Group, which consists of garden retailer Woldstores and member only furniture brand Achica, along with baby retailer Kiddicare.
In an £8.5 million deal, Dunelm will take on 650 new staff members and has stated it will put £15 million into its newly acquired company to retain its management team.
Despite predictions that WS Group will make a loss of £5 to £10 million this year, Dunelm boss John Browett remains positive about the move stating: “We are excited by this opportunity to accelerate the growth of our internet operation, more than doubling its size, and enhancing our position as the destination homewares retailer in the UK, both online and offline.”
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