The Cotswold Company hails strong first half performance

--Originally published on The Retail Bulletin--

The Cotswold Company has reported a 30% uplift in first half sales to £56.9 million after increasing its customer base.

In the six months to 30 August, the retailer grew its active customers by 21% year-on-year to more than a quarter of a million. It also opened new showrooms in Knutsford and Harpenden, bringing the total to 13 nationwide.

The Cotswold Company said its new product range extensions were exceptionally well received with upholstery and accessories orders up 82% and 38% respectively.

The group  continued to invest in its digital capabilities with a major upgrade to its digital experience and the launch of ‘Searchandising’, a new AI-powered tool that makes it faster and easier for customers to discover the right products.

It also invested in its operational infrastructure with the opening of a new 80,000 square foot distribution centre in Lichfield.

Ralph Tucker, chief executive officer of The Cotswold Company, said: “I’m delighted that The Cotswold Company’s momentum has continued into the first half of FY26, delivering a record H1 performance and significant market outperformance.

“This reflects the growing strength and awareness of the brand, our value for quality product proposition, highly relevant digitally-led omnichannel model, and – above all else – the hard work of our people across the business.”

This month, The Cotswold Company has launched a new partnership with Will Kirk who has become its quality expert. This has included the furniture restorer and TV personality curating his own product edit of his favourite pieces from the brand’s collections.

Tucker added: “I’m excited to welcome Will Kirk to the brand as our quality expert, embodying our values of craftsmanship and sustainability, and bring two new showrooms to customers in strategically important locations later this year.

“Combined, these will enable us to introduce our brand to more consumers across the UK and bring characterful, quality and thoughtfully designed furniture to more homes.”