The UK’s four nations split on Christmas Covid rules December 16, 2020 The UK’s four nations will split on plans to relax coronavirus restrictions over Christmas, as the Prime Minister faces accusations of confusing the public over the government’s messaging. Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford said the country will toughen up current guidelines allowing three households to mix over Christmas, announcing that Wales will limit gatherings to [...]
Retail sales growth exceeds expectations on back of Black Friday December 22, 2023 Retail sales grew stronger than expected last month as shoppers snapped up Black Friday bargains and bought Christmas presents, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that retail sales volumes increased by 1.3 per cent in November. It was ahead of the predictions of economists, who had forecast 0.4 per cent [...]
Next shares soar following strong online Christmas sales January 5, 2021 British fashion giant Next today reported a surge in online sales over the Christmas period that looks set to boost profit beyond expectations for the year and help offset high street losses. Full-price sales fell 1.1 per cent in 2020 compared to the year before, beating its central guidance of an eight per cent annual [...]
Amazon to launch Prime Video on Sky ‘in time for Christmas’ December 14, 2020 The Amazon Prime Video app will launch on Sky Q, Sky Ticket and NOW TV devices from 14 December – just in time for Christmas. The news follows a new multi-year partnership agreement between the two companies, which brings Sky services to Amazon devices and vice versa. The move is the latest example of aggregation from [...]
Black Friday: London footfall up 13 per cent as cash-strapped Brits sniff out deals November 24, 2023 Central London saw a 13 per cent week-on-week jump in footfall this morning as shoppers flocked to the West-End to sniff out some Black Friday deals, in a much needed boost for retailers. The sales bonanza is an important day in the retail calendar as it kicks starts the start of the festive shopping season. [...]
Consumer confidence: Brits cheer up in time for Black Friday November 24, 2023 Retailers are bracing for a Black Friday bonanza - boosted by news of consumer confidence finally turning a corner
The Works suffers sharp sales drop over crucial Christmas period January 22, 2021 Arts and crafts retailer The Works suffered a sharp drop in sales in the run-up to Christmas after strict lockdown restrictions were put in place over the crucial trading period. The high street chain said this morning that total sales in the 11 weeks to 10 January declined 24.8 per cent, compared to the same [...]
The top wines to drink this Christmas, from cooking to pudding December 9, 2020 Bars and restaurants across the country have finally been allowed to open their doors to the great British public, allowing us to enjoy Christmas alongside what I imagine will be a record number of Scotch eggs. It’s essential we all do our bit and support the beleaguered hospitality industry so I implore you to push [...]
AO World revenue surges on demand for electrical goods over Christmas January 19, 2021 AO World reported significant revenue growth in the third quarter after strong demand for electrical goods in the run-up to Christmas. The online electrical retailer reported UK revenue growth of 67.2 per cent to £457.3m, while German sales jumped 77.4 per cent to €73.6m. The company, which sells washing machines, fridges, TVs and laptops, has [...]
Christmas is cancelled: Five festive traditions scuppered by Covid December 7, 2020 Coronavirus has a lot to answer for, and while being able to enjoy a few frivolities over Christmas isn’t at the top of the list, it’s still likely to put a downer on December. Here are some of the popular Christmas activities that have been curtailed by the pandemic, and some suggestions on how to [...]