News roundup—8th January 2009

• The ECMOD Awards, recognising excellence in business among cataloguers and multichannel marketers, are now free to enter thanks to support from parcel carrier Citipost. Companies may now enter as many awards categories as are relevant to them without incurring entry costs of up to £145. The closing date for entries is 20th February 2009 with the ECMOD Awards Gala dinner scheduled for 2nd April at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

  Remember, the only way to win an ECMOD Award is to enter the ECMOD Awards so don’t delay: Entry forms are available at www.ecmod360.co.uk/awards. For further information about entering or supporting the awards contact the ECMOD team on 01271 866112.

• Group sales at multititle mailer Findel for the 39 weeks to 2nd January 2009 were down 4 percent on last year—“a satisfactory performance in the current market” noted the group’s board in a statement to the City. Sales in the home shopping division, which includes the Letterbox, Studio and Kitbag businesses, were 6 percent lower than the same period last year, “reflecting not only the current economic environment but also a planned reduction in recruitment in the credit business” it said. Sales in the educational supplies division were also down, falling 3 percent compared to last year, although demand is cumulatively 1 percent ahead. On the positive side, Findel’s healthcare division continues to perform strongly, posting a sales rise of 14 percent.
• Electrical retailer Miller Brothers is the latest casualty of the economic downturn. The business, which prior to its collapse operated a store in Doncaster, a website and a white-label service on behalf of other retailers--including Woolworths--will close by the end of the month unless a buyer is found, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post.
• The Croydon Guardian profiles gifts and gadgets etailer Firebox.com.