Getting the measure of us

From humble beginnings to the creation of a modern online retailing phenomenon, it’s been an exciting rollercoaster ride. Here are a few of the highlights:

2011

We launch the isme brand as a catalogue and online.

2010

Coleen Rooney becomes Littlewoods Style Editor.

2009

We launch Littlewoods Europe online.

We launch the Very brand online.

We relaunch Woolworths, this time online

2008

We change our name to Shop Direct Group.

Online now accounts for more than half of our business.

We welcome the Empire brand and its customers.

2002-2007

We buy Littlewoods & GUS and our sales increase for the 1st time in 10 years whilst Trinny & Susannah become the face of Littlewoods Direct.

1990's

Kays celebrates 200 years of great style.

And, as Russia opens its doors to the West, Littlewoods opens two stores in St Petersburg - making us the first major Western retailer to tap into an exciting new market.

1980's

Littlewoods opens its first Index store.

1970's

Home Express is launched.

1960's

Kays introduce computer systems and we take our first step towards becoming the UK's biggest and best online retailer.

1950's

With the launch of our credit mail-order firm, Brian Mills, we become one of the first catalogues to allow customers to buy on credit.

1940's

During the Second World War, instead of selling household goods and clothing, Littlewoods produced 12 million shells, 5 million fuses, 20,000 barrage balloons, 5 million parachutes, 50,000 rubber dinghies, 25,000 vehicle packages for transportation, 750 Wellington bomber bodies and 4,000 pontoons and storm boats.

1930's

The first Littlewoods store is opened in Blackpool.