Unfortunately some people find that their purchasing power is reduced because they have unknowingly tried to shop with two catalogues within the same group. There are four main catalogue groups which operate in the UK: Shop Direct, JD Williams, Gratten and Redcats.
The groups all have a number of different catalogues, each with a slightly varied focus. What this means for a customer is that the decision whether to extend credit and the level of credit permitted, is determined at a group level.
This explains why some customers are turned down for credit despite applying to several different catalogues; if the catalogues are all in the same group, then the same decision will be given regardless of which catalogue you apply to.
Click for the best catalogues for bad credit history.
Shop Direct Isn’t the Only Catalogue Group
One of the biggest and most well-known catalogue groups is Shop Direct. Littlewoods, K and Co, Very, Isme and Woolworths are all part of this group.
For potential customers, this means that if you are refused credit with Littlewoods, you will also be refused by K and Co or any of the other catalogues in the group.
Similarly if you have been successful in obtaining credit Isme, it’s unlikely you would also be successful in getting credit from Littlewoods. Due to these issues, savvy consumers apply to catalogues not owned by Littlewoods/Shop Direct Group where their chances of credit will be greater. So which other groups are out there and what do they stock?
JD Williams
Offering one of the largest selections of both catalogues and stock, JD Williams has number of catalogues not owned by Littlewoods/Shop Direct Group. Their clothing collections, including www.graysandosborn and www.fashionworld are impressive, offering premium brands and exclusive designer collections.
A number of niche markets are filled with catalogues such as www.fiftyplus, www.julipa and www.jdwilliams providing clothing aimed at more mature customers and www.ambrosewilson, www.marisota and www.simplybe, offering a good range of plus size clothing.
Men are also catered for through www.highandmighty, www.jacamo and www.premierman. For household goods, furniture and homewares, www.houseofbath, and www.thebrilliantgiftshop have some great products available.
Gratten
A catalogue from the Gratten group provides access to an extensive selection of clothing, including www.swimwear365.co.uk which has a spectacular range of beachwear and holiday fashion all year round and www.curvissa, that provides everything for the larger woman’s wardrobe.
www.lookagain provides modern goods for contemporary families, providing stylish, chic products which are always appealing. www.witt-international has a European focus whilst www.kalidescope stocks clothing for all the family and a range of consumer durables.
Redcats
Although the smallest of the main online catalogue groups, the Redcat selections offer some great products which you won’t find elsewhere. www.laredoute specialises in fashion with a French influence for women, men and children as well as home wares which have a continental twist.
www.daxon is aimed at more mature customers, stocking clothing, household goods and useful healthcare aids. They also have a plus size fashion section and garments which are shaped to provide a more flattering fit.
To maximise your chances of obtaining credit from several catalogues apply to a catalogue from each group. If you’ve been turned down by Woolworths or another catalogue in the Shop Direct group then don’t apply to another Shop Direct outlet; consider shopping with a catalogues not owned by Littlewoods/Shop Direct Group instead.
It may well be the case that one of these groups will accept you for credit, as each group has its own credit scoring criteria. Regardless of the group with whom you decide to shop, make sure that you can afford to make the necessary repayments before applying for credit.
Online catalogues are a great way of getting the products you need on a “buy now, pay later” basis. Especially useful for people on a budget that want to spread the cost of their purchases over a number of months, catalogues stock a fantastic selection of merchandise which includes plenty of everyday essentials as well as special gifts and luxury items.
Applying for credit from a catalogue is quick and straight-forward, with many online decisions made within an hour or two. Once you’ve been accepted, you can get the goods you need with only a few clicks of the mouse.
Mandy doggrell says
Graton or little woods
dave says
dont touch littlewoods or shop direct rude customer service staff go to jd williams littlewoods turned me down but good old jd williams accepted me part of n brown group very nice people
Sandra Lamb says
Is studio and very connected
nikki says
is very connected to j d williams