TheWorks.co.uk plc (WRKS)

Profile

https://www.theworks.co.uk

TheWorks.co.uk plc is a leading family-friendly value retailer in the United Kingdom and Ireland, specializing in affordable arts and crafts, stationery, toys and games, books, gifts, and seasonal products. Founded in 1981 as a discount bookstore and headquartered in Birmingham, the company operates 503 stores across high streets, shopping centres, retail parks, factory outlets, and garden centres, alongside a fully transactional online platform with click-and-collect services. Its business model centres on innovation, featuring 13 own brands and 9 sub-brands developed by an in-house design studio, introducing 4,400 new product lines annually through relationships with approximately 220 suppliers to ensure quality, safety, and trend relevance. Employing around 3,700 dedicated colleagues, TheWorks.co.uk plc emphasizes screen-free activities that inspire reading, learning, creativity, and play, positioning it as a key player in the consumer cyclical specialty retail sector. The retailer supports communities via fundraising and maintains a multi-channel approach, including 31 million website visits in FY25, fostering accessibility and customer delight through great value and fantastic ranges. Recent milestones include a brand refresh, strategic evolution under CEO Gavin Peck, and a focus on profitable growth.