IT is a common phrase but if a leopard does not change its spots then it remains a leopard. Probably the most recent example of that has been British Home Stores, which did not keep up with shopping trends.
Now another big name has fell into difficulty with Toys R Us in the United States falling into Chapter 11. For those who are unaware, Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code is similar to administration in this country. It must be emphasised this latest news involves the American division and neither the UK, European, Australian or Asian operations are caught under the current issues.
The Chapter 11 process is being used to enable the company to restructure approximately $5billion of debt, aided by a reported $3billion of new financing. The issue I would be asking about is more of a practical one. Recent statistics suggest buying habits for toys are changing with estimates indicating 2016 saw 13.7 per cent of toys being acquired online, as compared to 6.5 per cent the previous year. You have to question whether the large warehouse-style outlet is becoming a dinosaur when compared to the laptop in the home.
Whenever we at PBC look at a corporate restructure we first look at trying to identify what are the reasons for the company experiencing difficulties. After all, a leopard that does not change its spots will only endure a recurrence of those issues at a later date. Toys R US say all 1,600 stores and 64,000 employees in America will be preserved, yet retail has seen the online competition bite into their business by another seven per cent in 2016. I may be guilty of being too simplistic but often at PBC we find it is the simple things that are overlooked and, in the end come back and bite you.
If you require any advice or assistance on any insolvency-related matter then contact Gary Pettit or Gavin Bates at PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency on 01604 212150.