Frasers Group and THG forge multi-year partnership to enhance retail operations

In a landmark deal, Frasers Group plc (formerly Sports Direct International plc) has announced a strategic partnership with THG plc (formerly The Hut Group), a move poised to revolutionize retail operations and expand their global footprint. The collaboration aligns with Frasers Group’s Elevation Strategy and marks a significant step towards enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency across both entities.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

– Integration of Frasers Plus: Frasers Group’s customer credit and loyalty program, Frasers Plus, will be integrated into THG’s Ingenuity platform, making it accessible to customers across THG’s various retail sites. This integration represents the first time Frasers Plus is being offered through an external platform.

– Enhanced Fulfilment Operations: The partnership will leverage THG’s courier management services to optimize Frasers’ Australian fulfilment and logistics operations, supporting Frasers Group’s efforts to expand its international market presence.

– Acquisition of Luxury Brands: Frasers Group will acquire THG’s portfolio of luxury brands, including Coggles, further enriching its Premium and Luxury division alongside its FLANNELS stores.

Michael Murray, CEO of Frasers Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This is an exciting step towards our Frasers Plus ambitions as we look to expand its offering across additional third-party platforms. We are looking forward to working with the THG team and unlocking further benefits for both businesses.”

Matthew Moulding, CEO of THG, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, “We are delighted to be partnering with Frasers Group across a broad range of initiatives, bringing Frasers Plus to consumers shopping with Ingenuity clients, as well as to our own retail sites including Lookfantastic, Cult Beauty, and Myprotein.”

This partnership not only enhances the service offerings of both companies but also sets a precedent for future collaborations within the retail sector. It underscores a strategic pivot towards integrating digital platforms with traditional retail operations, aiming to create a seamless consumer experience that bridges online and in-store interactions.

Additional Developments:

– Myprotein and Sports Direct Collaboration: A curated range of Myprotein products will be launched in-store at Sports Direct, including the Hyrox x Myprotein range, further demonstrating the synergy between Frasers Group’s brands and THG’s product offerings.

– Post-Partnership Support: Post-disposal, Ingenuity will continue to support the acquired luxury brand portfolio across technology, digital marketing, and fulfilment services.

This strategic move by Frasers Group and THG plc is a forward-thinking approach to retail management and customer engagement. By leveraging each other’s strengths, they are well-positioned to enhance their market presence and deliver greater value to their customers.