UK unemployment falls May 16, 2012 The number of Britons out of work fell at the fastest pace in nearly a year in the three months to March, official data showed, pointing to some underlying resilience in the economy. Britain slipped back into recession at the beginning of 2012, stoking fears that more people will become unemployed at a time when [...]
John Lewis sales rise despite looting fears August 19, 2011 John Lewis said its revenue rose last week even though the UK saw widespread looting and rioting, as customers turned to the web. Sales at its department stores increased by 2.9 per cent to £52.9m in the week to 13 August. Sales excluding VAT were up 1.3 per cent. The department store chain said: “John [...]
The great outdoors April 19, 2012 Rob Ryan Bunting, £24.95, grahamandgreene.co.uk Very cute and colourful way to lend vibrancy and style to your garden. Perfect for parties, too. Art Meets Matter Coast 2 Pistachio Deckchair, £75, artmeetsmatter.com Listing all the UK’s sunniest destinations, this is a groovy litte number and will transport you you straight to the seaside. Graham and Green [...]
Given takes up her new role at SuperGroup April 10, 2012 RETAIL veteran Susanne Given took up the newly created role of chief operating officer at SuperGroup yesterday as the fashion house looks to strengthen its management team and boost its presence overseas. The owner of the Superdry fashion label has had a turbulent stock market performance since its successful flotation in 2010. It has been [...]
Maybe the co-operative model isn’t so good after all March 29, 2012 PSST. Don’t tell Nick Clegg, but “co-operative” is not a byword for success. Earlier this year, the deputy prime minister said he wanted Britain to become a “John Lewis economy”, in reference to the firm’s employee-owned structure. Yet there are just two major co-ops in the UK. John Lewis, the patron saint of retailers, is [...]
Waitrose and budget stores winning sales April 24, 2012 UK CONSUMER habits are becoming increasingly divided, accordingly to new retail data that shows higher-end and budget retailers growing market share while those occupying the middle ground lose out. Kantar Worldpanel figures for the 12 weeks to 15 April 2012 showed upmarket supermarket Waitrose increasing market share from 4.3 per cent to 4.5 per cent [...]
Fortnum and Mason’s chief Aspinall quits April 16, 2012 FORTNUM AND MASON’S chief executive is to step down after seven years at the helm of the Queen’s grocer “to pursue new challenges.” Retail veteran Beverley Aspinall will leave her post at the world-famous food emporium, at the end of May, the company said in a statement. Aspinall, 52, who joined the luxury retailer in [...]
John Lewis sales lifted by rain July 22, 2011 John Lewis reported higher weekly sales as wet weather drove shoppers to its shops and its summer sale stimulated trade. Department store sales increased 3.7 per cent to £59.9m in the week to 16 July and were up 2.1 per cent excluding VAT sales tax. “Continued mixed weather helped drive a solid final week for [...]
John Lewis sales lifted by rain July 22, 2011 John Lewis reported higher weekly sales as wet weather drove shoppers to its shops and its summer sale stimulated trade. Department store sales increased 3.7 per cent to £59.9m in the week to 16 July and were up 2.1 per cent excluding VAT sales tax. “Continued mixed weather helped drive a solid final week for [...]
Random House agrees merger with Penguin October 29, 2012 PEARSON and German media giant Bertelsmann have agreed a deal to merge their respective book publishing units Penguin and Random House, creating the world’s largest company of its kind as they grapple with a growing threat from digital book sellers such as Amazon. The firms have inked a deal despite a late bid from Rupert [...]