Gross margin increased by 60 basis points to 53.4% . Finance director Karen Witts said the improvement was “mainly driven by favorable foreign exchange rates,” with Dunelm keeping retail prices “broadly stable,” maintaining promotional discipline, and closely managing input costs. She added that the foreign exchange tailwind was expected to continue for the remainder of the year, noting the company hedges over a long period and is already hedged for some, but not all, of 2027.Dunelm also reported an additio ...

Core Viewpoint - The Original Factory Shop has entered administration, putting approximately 1,180 jobs at risk due to ongoing trading pressures, including high-cost inflation and fragile consumer confidence [1][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - The Original Factory Shop operates 137 stores across the UK, offering a variety of products including clothing, homewares, beauty products, toys, and seasonal merchandise [4]. - The company was founded in 1969 and has been a significant presence on local high streets [4]. Group 2: Recent Developments - The retailer has faced challenges from a third-party warehouse and logistics provider, which negatively impacted sales [1]. - The company had recently undergone a restructuring program, relocating its head office and distribution center from Burnley to Bolton, and negotiating rent reductions at several sites [3]. Group 3: Administration Details - Rick Harrison and James Clark from Interpath have been appointed as joint administrators, and all 137 stores will continue to operate while options for the business are reviewed [2]. - The online shop has been closed immediately, but online orders placed before January 28, 2026, are expected to be fulfilled as normal [5][6].

Group 1: Cybersecurity Industry - The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) provides exposure to companies in the cybersecurity sector, which is increasingly important as digital services expand [1][3] - The ETF includes major companies such as Infosys, Cisco Systems, Palo Alto Networks, and CrowdStrike, which are expected to see rising profits over the long term [3] - The HACK ETF has delivered an average annual return of 16.7% over the past five years, indicating strong performance potential [3] Group 2: Online Retail Industry - Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX: TPW) is a leading online retailer in Australia, specializing in homewares, furniture, and home improvement [4] - The Australian furniture and homewares market has an addressable market of $19 billion with only 20% online penetration, suggesting significant growth potential as online shopping adoption increases [5] - Home improvement revenue for Temple & Webster surged by 40% year on year, with a total addressable market of $18 billion and low online penetration of 5% to 10% [6] - The company's expansion into New Zealand is yielding positive results, with growth in conversion and traffic, and an 18% year-on-year revenue increase [7]

Core Viewpoint - Temple & Webster Group Ltd experienced a significant share price drop of 28% following its trading update for FY26, despite reporting positive revenue growth and market share gains [1][7]. Group 1: Trading Performance - Revenue from July 1 to November 20, 2025, increased by 18% year on year, indicating strong market share growth [2]. - The home improvement segment showed exceptional performance with over 40% year-on-year revenue growth, while the trade & commercial segment grew by 23% year on year [3]. - Average order values rose by 3% year on year, and active customers reached record levels, with a growing proportion of repeat customers [2][3]. Group 2: Financial Goals and Position - The company remains on track to achieve its mid-term goal of $1 billion in annual revenue by FY28, with an EBITDA margin target of 3-5% for FY26 [4]. - Temple & Webster has a strong cash position exceeding $150 million, enabling it to pursue an on-market share buy-back [4]. Group 3: Expansion Efforts - The company launched shipping to New Zealand in October 2025, generating over $100,000 in revenue within the first six weeks and attracting multiple repeat customers [5][6]. - The investment in New Zealand is projected to incur additional costs of $2 million to $3 million for FY26, but the market opportunity is considered attractive due to the lack of mid-market online players in the region [5][6]. Group 4: Market Sentiment - The recent trading update indicates a deceleration in revenue growth compared to the previous period, raising concerns about future sales performance [7]. - Despite the share price decline, there is a belief that this could present a buying opportunity for investors who maintain confidence in the company's long-term prospects [8][9].

Core Insights - Brooke Rodd, a retail brand founded by Brooke Lanier Rodd, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking to restructure its debt while keeping its Santa Monica store operational [5][6]. Company Background - Brooke Lanier Rodd began her career in the music industry, working with notable figures and artists at The Hit Factory Recording Studio and Arista Records [1][2]. - Transitioning from music to fashion photography, Rodd eventually established her retail brand in Los Angeles, inspired by her appreciation for vintage style and unique treasures [3][4]. Bankruptcy Filing - The bankruptcy filing is categorized as a Chapter 11 Subchapter V petition, which is a streamlined reorganization option for small businesses [6]. - The company cited a significant imbalance between its assets and liabilities as the reason for the bankruptcy [6]. - The filing includes a request for court approval of a reorganization plan that would allow the business to pay creditors while remaining operational during the restructuring process [7].