The Works (retailer)

The company was founded in 1981 by Mike and Jane Crossley^[6] as discount bookstore Remainders Limited. The Works stores are categorised into five product "zones": Kids (toys, games etc.), Arts and Craft, Stationery, Family Gifts, and Seasonal/Regional, which includes a selection of local interest and tourist-specific ranges. TheWorks.co.uk, the company's first e-commerce platform, was launched in January 2012.

The company's loyalty card scheme, 'Together', was launched in 2013, and had reached one million members by the end of 2016.^[7][8] The scheme closed down in March 2024.

The Works acquired 26 outlets of the Bargain Books and Bookworld chains in 2007 after their parent company went into administration.^[9][10] The Works itself entered administration in January 2008.^[11] The business was subsequently purchased by the private equity firm Endless in May 2008.^[12] Hoyle became chairman of the discount retailer after the "sizeable cash investment" in July 2015.^[13]

It was announced in July 2018 that The Works, approximately one-third owned by Hoyle, would have an initial public offering and a valuation of £100 million.^[14] Hoyle retained the largest shareholding of 15% after the flotation.

• Books in the United Kingdom