Walker Greenbank enters collaboration for Scion online shop

Luxury interior design and furnishings company Walker Greenbank announced a new collaboration with internet retailer Jane Clayton and Company on Friday, to launch an online shop for its Scion brand.

The AIM-traded firm said the shop, dedicated solely to Scion, would sell the brand's products directly to consumers under a franchise agreement with Design Online, which is a company formed by “leading internet retailer” Jane Clayton.

Its board noted that Walker Greenbank had worked with Jane Clayton for more than 30 years, with the multi-brand Jane Clayton website selling all of its brands.

The franchise agreement with Design Online would have an initial term of five years, and required little capital investment from the company.

Design Online would use its e-commerce experience in the development of the Scion online shop, digital marketing and fulfilment, the board added.

The online shop, to be branded ‘Scion Living’, was expected to be launched in the spring of 2021.

It would initially serve customers in the UK and Europe, before potentially expanding internationally.

The shop's product range was expected to include all of Scion’s fabrics and wallcoverings, along with bespoke furnishings and a range of licensed products.

“We are excited by the potential of this innovative online route to market for our youthful Scion brand,” said chief executive officer Lisa Montague.

“We are very pleased to be working with the team at Jane Clayton and Company and believe that the development of a brand-specific online shop will be a first in our industry.

“The online shop will both advance the company's digital strategy and provide an additional route to market for the Scion brand.”

At 1048 GMT, shares in Walker Greenbank were up 4.65% at 77.44p.