Despite the challenging conditions on the British high street, Cornish retailer Seasalt has reported a notable increase in sales over the Christmas season. The company achieved a 10% rise in total sales across its online platform, physical stores, and marketplace partners, such as M&S, during the last five weeks of the year.
This growth was observed in every channel, with each setting new records for the Christmas period. Seasalt, known for its commitment to sustainable practices, quality craftsmanship, and Cornish heritage, operates 76 stores across the UK, as reported by City AM.
Chief Paul Hayes attributed the strong sales performance to the company’s resilience “in spite of” the current economic environment and declining high street footfall. In contrast to the average high street store, which saw a mere 0.1% sales growth in December, Seasalt’s store revenues increased by 3% compared to the same period in 2023.
However, Hayes warned that cost pressures are expected to be “significant” in the coming months, particularly following the Chancellor’s Autumn budget statement. This necessitates a heightened focus on cost management to drive profitable growth.
Similarly, high street bellwether Next announced that prices would rise by 1% over the coming year to cope with an additional £67m in its wage bill. Following in the footsteps of Next, Seasalt is reaping benefits from shifting its focus from the UK and embracing a robust international sales strategy.
The company launched a collaboration with US retailer Nordstrom and inaugurated its first outpost in Falmouth, Massachusetts, as recently as September last year. As a B-corp accredited organisation, Seasalt reported that international markets contributed to 12% of its sales so far this year.
Plans are underway to open a minimum of two additional stores in the US the coming year – with the first debuting at The Grove in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, come March, followed by another establishment at Market Square in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, set for May. Company spokesperson Hayes shared their aspiration to “continue to progress our expansion strategy for 2025, including our store opening programme, both in the UK and the US, and develop our strategic partnerships, putting us in the best possible position to realise our growth ambitions for the year ahead.”