ASOS, which is deep in turnaround mode, has been given a boost as credit insurers reinstate cover for the digital fashion giant. Two leading credit insurers — Atradius and Coface — are again offering cover for its clothing suppliers, signalling renewed confidence in the business’s financial stability. 

ASOS’s cover, which exists to protect suppliers from buyers and ensures the former will be paid, even if the latter goes under, was withdrawn it in 2023 amid concerns over the fashion retailer’s falling profits, The Times reported.

As a further boost, another credit insurer, Cartan Trade, has also opened up cover for the first time, which could further improve its cash flow situation. Allianz Trade is understood to be the only company left to reinstate cover after it withdrew it entirely two years ago.

The positive moves support the retailer’s turnaround plan that CEO José Antonio Ramos Calamonte says is beginning to gain traction. Calamonte is focusing on reducing inventory levels, cutting discounts, and implementing a test-and-react model.

He said in November that the “medicinal” actions taken over the past two years were finally beginning “to bear fruit”.

At the beginning of ASOS’s turnaround plan, its stock levels had doubled to more than £1 billion, largely owing to Covid-related disruptions and poor commercial practices. Over the past two years, ASOS has halved stock levels to £520 million.

In a further boost to its balance sheet, the retailer announced a £250 million bond refinancing last summer.

The fashion retailer has also seen an improvement in its shares and is scheduled to rejoin the FTSE 250 share index today (3 February) after a 15% rise in its shares over the past year. The company was axed from the index in 2023 when its share price plunged.

Its market valuation, which stood at £6 billion in 2018, now stands at £523 million and the shares remain down by 85% over the past five years.

Meanwhile, ASOS is expected to make its first move into physical retail this year. The Times said the retailer has been mulling a store on London’s Carnaby Street, which could house a large number of its brands.