News that the multichannel retailer has collapsed just after BHS is a stark reminder of the difficulties in successfully navigating the ecommerce world.

A statement from the administrators blamed a “challenging” retail market and cash flow difficulties.

The Austin Reed Group, which includes the Country Casuals brand,, which has 100 standalone stores and is stocked in a further 50, has struggled to compete and has seen its sales fall. There are now 1,200 jobs at risk.

Austin Reed was bought just last week by the distressed retail specialists Alteri Investors, who purchased the struggling firm for an undisclosed sum.

The new owners had already loaned the company £6m last year to improve its online operations and purchase new stock.

But on Friday the firm announced that it was intending to appoint administrators, Alix Partners, though Austin Reed remains a going concern.

Joint administrator Peter Saville said: “Our priority now is to work with all stakeholders and determine the optimum route forward for the business as we continue to serve customers throughout the UK and Ireland.

“Austin Reed is a well regarded and iconic brand, and therefore we are confident that it is an attractive proposition for a range of potential buyers; as such, we expect, and welcome, contact from interested third parties.”

National Associations nominate country winners for this year’s European E-commerce Entrepreneurial Award

It’s that time of year when national associations, organizations, or publications award country winners for e-commerce innovators in their respective countries. Innovation, transformation, creativity, talent and leadership are the drivers that set these companies apart.

From large corporations to small business enterprises, this year’s 14 Entrepreneurial Award nominees are making an impact on their countries and the marketplace.

Entrepreneurial Award

The objectives of the Entrepreneurial Awards are to promote innovation and encourage entrepreneurship by putting the most industrious, groundbreaking, and clever operations from the European Community in the spotlight, to create European role models that empower future generations.

This year’s national winners and European E-commerce Entrepreneurial Award nominees identified to date include:

·         Belgium                              To be announced May 19th

·         Czech                                   Velká Pecka s.r.o. - www.rohlik.cz

·         Denmark                            To be announced May 18th

·         France                                 La Belle Assiette - www.labelleassiette.fr

·         Finland                                Vaisala Oyj -  www.store.vaisala.com

·         Greece                                Public - www.public.gr

·         Italy                                      To be announced May 18th

·         Ireland                                Harvey Norman - www.harveynorman.com.au

·         The Netherlands             Vida XL - https://www.vidaxl.nl/ 

·         Norway                               Onepiece.com - hwww.onepiece.com

·         Portugal                              Chic By Choice - http://chic-by-choice.com/en

·         Spain                                    Wallapop - www.wallapop.com

·         Switzerland                       Farmy.ch - www.farmy.ch

·         United Kingdom              Buyagift.com  - www.buyagift.co.uk

With nomination in hand, nominees must now hone their business case in preparation for intense 10 minute speed pitches before an audience of summit attendees, country delegates, and jury panelists alike that rivals the fierceness and fun of any Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank.

Come celebrate digital-commerce and  its entrepreneurial spirit in Europe. 

Join Ecommerce Europe as they announce Entrepreneurial, Omni-channel, and Pure Player winners at the 6th Annual European E-Commerce Awards on May 31st, at CCIB in Barcelona.

Visit Global E-commerce Summit for more information about this year’s event, including the European E-commerce Awards, held from May 30th – June 1st at CCIB in Barcelona.