Planet Organic managing director Mark Broomfield has hailed “significant improvement” in its performance, as the retailer continues its revival from administration.
Losses slowed from £1.2m to £961,200 during the year to 30 August 2025, its second full set of financial accounts since the business was rescued from collapse by founder Renée Elliott in April 2023.
The improvement came despite turnover falling, from £30.1m to £29.3m, as a result of the “forced” closure of its Spitalfields store last year.
However, “strong” like-for-like sales, an improvement in supplier terms, as well as a consolidation of its range had helped the business mitigate the shortfall.
“Against that backdrop, as well as the National Insurance increase as well – it was a really good effort,” Broomfield told The Grocer.
The business had made “further improvements” during the current financial year, including the completed refurbishments of its Islington and Westbourne Grove stores, as well as the ongoing renovation of its Muswell Hill store, which is set to reopen in mid-September.
Pop-up stores were opened during the closure of both stores, which helped to maintain sales, and contributed to one of its “strongest” Christmas periods in recent memory, with sales up 70%.
It’s also improved its “organic participation”, which had “dropped quite a lot” under the previous ownership, Broomfield said. Now 80% of its entire food range was classed as organic, and 100% in some categories including fruit, veg, meat, dairy and its serve over counters.
More organic, more convenient
Having joined the business in May 2024, Broomfield took over the running of the company’s eight stores and e-commerce offer, after Elliott stepped away from the business for a second time in September 2025.
Looking forward, he sees further growth opportunities ahead over the next year.
This year has seen the rollout of a major brand refresh following the arrival of former Sainsbury’s and Amazon marketer Helen Brennan as its new head of marketing from WH Smith in July.
The business also aims to grow its fruit & veg offer to account for 10% of its total turnover over the next year. “We’re getting very close to it. When I joined, it was about 7% and we’re up to about nine at this moment,” Broomfield said.
“For me, that’s where healthy eating starts. It’s that lifestyle. It’s about getting your 5 a day, so it’s important [for the business].”
That strategy has been reflected in its refurbishments, with the fruit & veg category brought to the front, with much clearer merchandising.
Expanding its e-commerce offer, which was significantly stripped back following the closure of its Westbourne growth store, is another major focus. A complete relaunch, including a new platform, is set to go live in October.
While Broomfield is not categorically ruling out new stores, store expansion is not on the immediate horizon.
“It’s expensive. We’re still trying to recover from the administration,” Broomfield said. “Last year was only the second full year out of administration. We’ve mended the business. What we want to do is fix some of the basics.”
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