Very Online Retailer Shopping Experience and More

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Person using a credit card and pointing at laptop for online shopping activity.
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Very has made a name for itself as a go-to online retailer for fashion-conscious shoppers.

Their website is user-friendly, making it easy for customers to navigate and find what they're looking for. Very offers a wide range of products, including clothing, shoes, and accessories from top brands.

From browsing to checkout, Very's online shopping experience is designed to be seamless and efficient. You can even use their "My Account" feature to save your details for a quicker checkout process.

The retailer also offers a price match promise, ensuring that customers get the best deal possible on their purchases.

Business Operations

Shop Direct, the parent company of Very, operates a range of businesses beyond its core retail operations. It owns a financial services business, formerly known as Everyday Financial Solutions, now rebranded as Shop Direct Financial Services.

The company has undergone changes in leadership, with Lionel Desclée taking over as group chief executive in July 2022, succeeding Henry Birch who held the position for over four years.

Very's parent company has also made significant changes to its distribution business, announcing plans to close three distribution centres and relocate to the East Midlands by 2020, which put 2,000 jobs at risk of redundancy.

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Post Merger

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In May 2008, Littlewoods Shop Direct Group announced it would change its corporate brand name to Shop Direct Group.

Shop Direct completed its purchase of the Empire Stores brand name and customer base from mail order competitor Redcats in July 2008.

The demise of the Woolworths Group in January 2009 led to Shop Direct purchasing rights to children's clothing brand Ladybird along with the Woolworths trade name from the administrators.

Shop Direct took over the Woolworths brand from the administrators on 2 February 2009, and the new online retailer began trading on 25 June that year.

By 2011, Shop Direct was on track to achieve 70% of its sales via the internet, a goal it had set for itself earlier.

By the end of the 2012/13 financial year, this figure had reached 78%.

In 2013, the company simplified its name by dropping the 'group' from its title, becoming Shop Direct.

The Very Group was the name chosen for the company when it rebranded again in 2019.

In February 2024, The Very Group took a loan of £125 million to provide working capital until at least June 2025.

Operations

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The Very Group operates a complex business with various operations, including a significant retail distribution centre.

The company's East Midlands distribution centre is set to be operational by 2020, replacing three existing centres.

In addition to its distribution centres, The Very Group has a headquarters in Skyways House, a £31 million renovated aircraft hangar in Speke, Liverpool.

The company's order processing is primarily undertaken at the 'Skygate' facility in Kegworth, Derby, with a smaller number of large items distributed from Bryn Lane, Wrexham.

The Very Group also processes returns at Raven Mill in Chadderton.

As part of its operations, The Very Group owns and operates a financial services business, formerly known as Everyday Financial Solutions, and now known as Shop Direct Financial Services.

The company's core retail business includes celebrity brands and its own brand fashion labels, such as V by Very and Ladybird for children.

In July 2022, Lionel Desclée was appointed as the company's new group chief executive, replacing Henry Birch who held the position for over four years.

E-commerce Platform

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Very's e-commerce platform is a modern and well-designed space that makes shopping a breeze. The site's intuitive design and mega menu at the top allow you to easily filter your shopping by category, brands, and newly edited items, as well as promotional offers and clearance.

The search function is efficient and promptly provides relevant results, making it easy to find what you're looking for. You can also find your account, saved items, and shopping basket at the top of the page.

Very offers a diverse and expansive product range, with categories including fashion, electronics, homeware, and more. The retailer caters to a wide array of interests, age groups, and lifestyles, making it a one-stop-shop for personal needs and gifts.

Here's a breakdown of Very's product categories:

  • Fashion: clothing and accessories for men, women, and children
  • Electronics: smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and more
  • Home & Garden: furniture, bedding, kitchen appliances, and home decor
  • Beauty & Grooming: skincare, haircare, makeup, and fragrances
  • Sports & Leisure: fitness gear, outdoor equipment, and camping accessories
  • Toys & Kids' Products: toys, games, and kids' essentials
  • Gifts & Occasions: curated selection of gifts for various occasions
  • Appliances: household appliances like washing machines and refrigerators

Platform and Usability

The platform of Very.co.uk is a modern and well-designed one, making it a joy to shop on. It's highly intuitive, with a mega menu at the top that lets you filter your shopping by category, brands, and newly edited items.

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The search function is efficient, providing relevant results promptly. It's located above the mega menu, making it easy to find what you're looking for. You can also access your account, saved items, and shopping basket from here.

As you scroll down the page, you'll discover special edits and offers, top picks, and featured products. This keeps the shopping experience engaging and exciting.

Products can be filtered by various criteria for more relevant results. This makes it easier to find exactly what you're looking for among the vast selection. Each product page displays a detailed description with plenty of photos and customer reviews to help you make the right choice.

Here's a brief overview of what you can expect to find on Very.co.uk's platform:

Available Payment Methods

The e-commerce platform offers a range of payment methods to cater to different budgets and purchasing preferences.

From major credit cards to flexible finance options, the platform accommodates various payment choices.

Buy now, pay later options are available, providing customers with the flexibility to shop without upfront payments.

Interest-free credit is also offered, making it a convenient option for customers who want to shop without incurring additional costs.

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Shopping Experience

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Very.co.uk stands out as a reliable and convenient online retail destination that caters to various needs and preferences.

The platform provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and find what you're looking for.

International Shipping

Very has a global presence with delivery options to over 190 countries worldwide. This makes it easy for customers to shop from anywhere in the world.

The retailer offers a range of shipping options, including Standard, Tracked, and Express, with estimated delivery times varying depending on the destination.

Delivery to the UK typically takes 2-5 working days, while international deliveries can take anywhere from 7-14 working days or longer.

Very also offers a 'Click and Collect' service, allowing customers to order online and collect their items from a local store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the very warehouse?

Our state-of-the-art fulfilment centre, Skygate, is located in the East Midlands. It's a massive site, covering an area equivalent to 11 football pitches.

Is the very app free?

Yes, the Very App is completely free to download and use. Download it now to access over 1,800 incredible brands at your fingertips.

Lillie Skiles

Writer

Lillie Skiles is a rising voice in the world of journalism, known for her in-depth coverage of financial and consumer-related topics. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Lillie has established herself as a trusted source for readers seeking accurate and informative articles. Her writing has been featured in various publications, with notable pieces including an exposé on Wells Fargo's banking issues, which shed light on the company's practices and their impact on customers.

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