Boohoo Group plans to create 5,000 new jobs in the next five years

Online retailer Boohoo Group has outlined plans to create 5,000 new jobs off the back of an investment programme worth over £500 million across the UK over the next five years.

The new investments will help the company continue the growth it has experienced since launching 15 years ago, expanding from a single brand in 2006 to a group of 13 brands today.

Sales at the online fashion group soared by 41% in the year to 28 February as its agile model saw it benefit from the COVID-19 lockdowns.

During the year Boohoo capitalised on the high street turmoil brought about by the pandemic snapping up the Oasis and Warehouse brands from liquidators at the start of the crisis.

It then acquired the Dorothy Perkins, Burton and Wallis brands from the collapsed Arcadia Group followed by the Debenhams.com domain and brand name, which it will use to create an online department store offering home and beauty, as well as fashion. The acquisitions saved a total of 1,000 jobs.

The group, which is rooted in the north of England with a Manchester head office, has seen growing global appeal, with almost 50% of its sales now coming from international markets such as the USA and Australia.

In order to meet this increased demand, Boohoo has set out its plans to secure additional warehouse space and will invest in smart technology to help its processes to become more efficient. The new jobs will mostly be related to warehouse operations.

Boohoo group CEO John Lyttle said: “The growth this business has experienced over the last 15 years has been phenomenal. It has not been without its challenges, but it is right to celebrate the significant contributions the company makes to the towns and communities where we operate. The investments we have planned will help us to continue our growth, increasing our customer base both at home and abroad, adding even more value as we do so.

“All of this has only been possible because of the amazing people who form our boohoo family. I am so proud of the way they rise to every challenge and I look forward to growing together as we cement our position as leaders in global fashion e-commerce.”