Hornby Digital E-commerce Team Update

RNS Number : 4864I

Hornby PLC

26 March 2015

 



HORNBY DIGITAL E-COMMERCE TEAM

DELIVERS OPERATIONAL ENHANCEMENTS

Hornby Plc ("Hornby"), the international hobby products Group, is today giving an update on the progress being made by its new digital e-commerce team.

Hornby owns the iconic Hornby model rail product range.  It has evolved to incorporate famous global brands such as Airfix and Humbrol in model kits and paints, Corgi in die-cast and Scalextric slot racing. Hornby has further expanded internationally with the acquisition of popular European model rail brands including Electrotren, Rivarossi, Jouef and Arnold.

As part of the Group's strategy to develop and upgrade Hornby's business structure, it has recently opened a dedicated London office in Shoreditch from which it is developing its e-commerce platform.  

Since it was established, the digital team has completed its main objectives ahead of the financial year end;

·     Hornby has taken action to invest in improving its engagement with consumers and develop its e-commerce function

·     A team of digital specialists is now operating from Hornby's dedicated e-commerce office in Shoreditch, which is at the heart of London's Tech Belt

·     A fully operational Magento platform is in place, supported with Braintree payment systems, and co-ordinated Dotmailer emarketing campaigns

·     Since opening the office, transactional levels have surpassed the Group's initial expectations and the team is learning about the benefits of the new "Pre-Order" functionality

·     The first international rollout has taken place with the USA websites now being centrally managed from London

·     The digital team has delivered an enhanced forum functionality for the Hornby brand and this is now being rolled out to Scalextric, Airfix, and Corgi

·     The Group has listened and responded to its consumers' desire to learn more about the product development process with the launch of "The Engine Shed", a new blog that is sharing news on developments that the team is making on selected items

·     Further to the success of our "Simon Says" blog section of the Hornby website written by industry expert Simon Kohler, we are pleased to confirm Michael Clegg, a lifelong aviation enthusiast, will be joining us to develop an aviation focused interaction with our fans on Airfix.com, and Corgi.com

·     Hornby's Facebook engagement continues to grow and the team is developing more coordinated marketing plans across a range of digital media touch points

Richard Ames, Hornby Chief Executive said,

" Our Digital Team based in Shoreditch, London is a major investment and key initiative for the Group's future.  We are delighted with the progress that has been made to date.

" Hornby owns a number of well-known and much loved brands.  As part of our strategy to drive the improvement in the Group's performance, we have worked hard on improving how our brands engage with our customers and enthusiasts at every opportunity. Much of this is being driven by modern marketing initiatives, including increasing our reach via social media.  

" From these closer links we have developed, we are investing in the importance of our e-commerce platform which is proving to be extremely popular.  This is giving us very accurate feedback about our products and the new initiatives that we are launching.

"  The team has made significant progress within this year and we are encouraged about the opportunities these initial learnings present."

-ENDS-

Date: 26^th March 2015

For further information contact:

Hornby Plc

Richard Ames, Chief Executive

Nick Stone, Group Finance Director

01843-233500

Web: www.hornby.com

Broker Profile

Simon Courtenay

020-7448-3244

 

END

 

 

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