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.



Burberry Announces Turnaround Plan as Sales Continue to Slide

FILED - 22 August 2018, England, London: A general view of the Burberry logo displayed on the facade of its store in New Bond Street. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 22 August 2018, England, London: A general view of the Burberry logo displayed on the facade of its store in New Bond Street. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire/dpa
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Burberry Announces Turnaround Plan as Sales Continue to Slide

FILED - 22 August 2018, England, London: A general view of the Burberry logo displayed on the facade of its store in New Bond Street. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 22 August 2018, England, London: A general view of the Burberry logo displayed on the facade of its store in New Bond Street. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire/dpa

Burberry's new CEO Joshua Schulman announced a turnaround strategy for the struggling British luxury brand on Thursday, as sales continued to slide in its second quarter.
Burberry suspended its dividend for 2025 and announced a 40 million pound ($50.73 million) cost savings program. According to Reuters, Schulman said the brand needed to focus back on outerwear and its core customer.
"Today, we are acting with urgency to course correct, stabilize the business and position Burberry for a return to sustainable, profitable growth," Schulman said in a statement.
Sales in Burberry's second quarter ending Sept. 28 fell at the same pace as the first, with revenue for the first half down 20% in constant currency.