All I want for Christmas… is for retailers to get real and rethink their festive ads November 20, 2018 TV has long been a staple of Christmas advertising, highlighted by the millions of people who look forward to the annual John Lewis spot. This year, the retailer reportedly spent millions of pounds on a cameo from Elton John, though it is being tight-lipped about exactly how much. However, while the department store’s festive offering [...]
US officials head to Beijing to resume trade talks as deadline for tariff war looms February 11, 2019 Asian markets finished with mixed results this morning while the FTSE 100 had an early rise, as investors looked forward to the reopening of trade talks between the US and China this week. A delegation of US officials, including Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin, head to Beijing today for the next round of negotiations, but investors’ [...]
What we all need for Christmas is a little perspective December 20, 2018 Perspective can be hard to find and even harder to appreciate. Having moulded my life into the rhythm of a daily print operation, looking further ahead than tomorrow has become a challenge. Life, as they say, comes at you fast. And if it's your job to catch as much of it as possible, filter it, prioritise [...]
If you’re not into wine and beer, here are the Christmas spirits we think you should stock up on over the festive period December 19, 2018 Whether you’re looking for a gift, throwing a party, or fortifying yourself to spend time with your family, the festive period is a peak time for boozing. Here are some suggestions to get you in the Christmas spirits: Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old Jamaica Rum Christmas and rum go together like pirates and rum. [...]
John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, or M&S? Whose Christmas ad was best this year November 20, 2018 So this is Christmas. And what have you done? Another year over, and the festive ads just begun. Yes, ’tis the season for brands to splash the cash on fancy holiday-themed adverts in hope of attracting that sweet Christmas shopping revenue. Retailer John Lewis has been the reigning champion of the season for the past [...]
High street faces chilly week ahead as disappointing festive trading updates expected January 6, 2019 High street retailers are expected to be further under the cosh by the end of the week, with a flurry of quarterly trading updates due in the coming days. Troubled department store Marks and Spencer is one of several set to reveal yet another fall in sales over the festive period, according to analysts at [...]
US government is partially shutdown in border wall standoff December 22, 2018 The US government was partially shutdown at midnight on Friday with President Donald Trump's demands for billions of dollars in funding for a border wall not met. Trump insisted on Friday that if the Senate could not reach a deal with the House regarding the wall then a "very long shutdown" would commence. It began going into [...]
Music retailer HMV on the verge of second administration since 2013, reports December 28, 2018 HMV is set to go into administration for the second time in six years, putting 2,200 jobs at risk, according to reports. The company reportedly filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators last week as it held last minute talks with suppliers, Sky News reported this morning. The company was bailed out in a [...]
Horse racing betting tips: Skelton looks set to strike again with Ch’tibello March 14, 2019 FRIDAY at Cheltenham is probably the trickiest day of the week for punters. With three puzzling handicaps, a hunter chase and an ultra-competitive Gold Cup, winners will be hard to come by. One man with proven form on the final day of the Festival is Dan Skelton. He’s landed two of the last three renewals [...]
Black Friday shoppers prepare to spend £2.4bn – here’s what they’re buying November 22, 2018 UK shoppers are set to spend a record £2.44bn on Black Friday tomorrow, with £2.95m being spent every minute as people prepare to do their Christmas shopping early. High streets will attract the majority of the spend despite a tough year of declining sales, as retailers expect to net £1.41bn from brick-and-mortar stores. Digital isn’t [...]