Once-high-flying Retailer ASOS Falls after FTSE 250 Relegation

FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Once-high-flying Retailer ASOS Falls after FTSE 250 Relegation

FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

ASOS, the British online fashion pioneer valued at more than 7 billion pounds ($8.8 billion) just over two years ago, has been relegated from the FTSE 250 index of mid-sized companies, illustrating the sharp decline in its fortunes.

It shares fell 3% to a 12-year low of 333 pence in early deals on Thursday, giving it a market value of about 400 million pounds, following the quarterly reshuffle by FTSE Russell. It will move to the FTSE SmallCap index on June 16.

The company, like rival Boohoo, grew rapidly as 20-somethings around the world snapped up its fast fashion, and demand surged again during the pandemic when high street rivals were closed.

But it has been hit by supply chain issues, high product returns, increased competition and a cost-of-living squeeze. Earlier this month it posted a first-half loss of 87.4 million pounds.

British Land was the only company relegated from the FTSE 100 index in the June quarterly review, FTSE Russell said. It will be replaced by engineering group IMI.



UK Bootmaker Dr. Martens Sales Fall on Subdued Demand 

Boxes of Dr. Martens shoes are pictured in the warehouse of local footwear retailer "Pomp It Up" in Bussigny near Lausanne, Switzerland 24 April, 2019. (Reuters)
Boxes of Dr. Martens shoes are pictured in the warehouse of local footwear retailer "Pomp It Up" in Bussigny near Lausanne, Switzerland 24 April, 2019. (Reuters)
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UK Bootmaker Dr. Martens Sales Fall on Subdued Demand 

Boxes of Dr. Martens shoes are pictured in the warehouse of local footwear retailer "Pomp It Up" in Bussigny near Lausanne, Switzerland 24 April, 2019. (Reuters)
Boxes of Dr. Martens shoes are pictured in the warehouse of local footwear retailer "Pomp It Up" in Bussigny near Lausanne, Switzerland 24 April, 2019. (Reuters)

British bootmaker Dr. Martens posted a 3% fall in its third-quarter reported revenue on Monday, as consumers stayed away from pricey purchases in key markets due to economic uncertainties.

The company, whose leather boots can be priced as much as $200, has been cutting inventory and debt as part of its cost-saving and turnaround plans after elevated costs and weak wholesale demand, especially in the US, weighed on its earnings for months.

"We continue to actively manage our costs and are on track to meet our inventory reduction target for FY25," newly appointed CEO Ije Nwokorie said in a statement.

The Wellingborough, UK-based company has been actively investing in marketing, including discounts, to revive demand.

Dr. Martens logged 260 million pounds ($323.60 million) in revenue, down from 267.1 million pounds in the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

It, however, kept its 2025 financial year guidance unchanged.