Julian Dunkerton has ramped up his criticism of Superdry’s management and said the retailer’s lukewarm half-year results will help his campaign to return to the business.
Dunkerton, who co-founded Superdry 30 years ago and departed the fashion business earlier this year, told Press Association that the latest results were a “verification” of his criticism on the retailer’s strategy.
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It comes shortly after he met Superdry chairman Peter Bamford where he conveyed his concerns about Superdry’s future, as well as shareholders to shore up support for a possible return to business.
Earlier today, Superdry revealed reported a 3.1 per cent year-on-year revenue increase to £414.6 million.
Although this was driven by wholesale and online growth, in-store sales declined 2.3 per cent to £177.4 million thanks to unseasonably hot weather conditions and the ongoing struggles facing high street retailers as more consumers opt to shop online.
Dunkerton – who still has a stake in the retailer – disputed Superdry’s reasoning behind the decline in in-store sales and told Press Association that he now plans to speak to more investors this week.
“I’ve waited for them to expose their lack of knowledge of this industry,” he told the news wire.
“It’s a serious lack of knowledge. I’m probably the most experienced human being in this industry in this country as we know it. Myself and [Ted Baker founder] Ray Kelvin.”
He added: “I’m not going to go away, there’s too much at stake.”
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