What the analysts are saying about the M&S results: ‘Seismic change’ needed after ‘humiliating’ plans unveiled November 8, 2016 Retail experts have blasted Marks & Spencer's plans for a turnaround – even taking a swipe at the firm's recent collaboration with Alexa Chung – and warned that without "seismic change", the group risks continuing its "terminal decline" to its inevitable conclusion. Marks revealed a massive drop in profits this morning, and outlined plans to close [...]
Christmas adverts: John Lewis, Sainsburys, Burberry & Marks and Spencer beaten by Universal for most shared festive ad of all time November 2, 2015 It's that time of year already. John Lewis is poised to unveil its Christmas advert on Friday (8am if you're really keen) and once again will be launching in on social media first, followed by a grand pushing out to TV audiences at the weekend. It has become an iconic start to the festive period, [...]
British Airways’ move of dropping free meals is eating into its brand image October 5, 2016 British Airways has been in the news for a number of reasons over the last couple of months and YouGov’s brand tracking data indicates that perception of the brand has been impacted as a result. Just last week, the airline announced it was to cut its free meals on short haul economy flights. Passengers will [...]
These are Amazon’s best Black Friday deals – get Amazon Fire TV Sticks, Amazon Echos, Sony PlayStation 4, Le Creuset casserole dishes and more November 25, 2016 Yes, it's here everyone! It's Black Friday. Brits are going to spend more than £2bn this year as they pile into shops to bag up electricals and other Christmas gifts. The retailers are promising bigger cuts than ever, with John Lewis committing to price match its rivals throughout the day as they slash their prices. And if [...]
Marks & Spencer unveils shake up of management team May 12, 2016 Marks & Spencer has revealed a shake up of its senior management team "to drive speedier decision making and move the business closer to its customers". Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne is becoming executive director of customer, marketing & M&S.com, taking on new responsibilities for M&S.com and the retailer's CSR initiative Plan A. It is not clear what will happen [...]
Supermarket wines from Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and others uncork victory at International Wine Challenge May 11, 2016 Supermarket wines won big yesterday at the 2016 International Wine Challenge (IWC), with budget grocers Aldi and Asda joining premium brands such as Waitrose and Marks & Spencer in the gold-winning big leagues. Gold medals were award to 28 wines created for supermarkets in total at the world-renowned competition, which included offerings from Aldi, Asda, [...]
Rosé wine: Move over red, white and sparkling – this summer belonged to pink booze September 13, 2016 Sparkling wine has been stealing the show in the UK's drinks scene as the new high-flier, but rosé wine has been the true winner of this summer's heatwave as sales of the pink stuff doubled. Marks and Spencer has reported a 100 per cent increase in its sales of English-produced rosé offerings, with its Chapel Down [...]
M&S workers seek unionisation after pay changes and job cuts September 6, 2016 The shopworker's union Usdaw has said it is willing to go through the courts to become recognised as the official union of Marks and Spencer's employees. M&S recently announced it would be cutting premium pay for workers on Sundays and bank holidays, and reducing pension contributions. Usdaw told City A.M. it is happy to "go down the statute route" for official recognition [...]
Why is good behaviour in business such a radical idea? October 19, 2016 One of the most significant passages of Theresa May’s wide-ranging speech at the Conservative Party conference earlier this month criticised selfish bosses, rigged markets and dysfunctional businesses. Calling for a new spirit of citizenship, the Prime Minister highlighted a rogues’ gallery of those companies who refused to play by the rules, infuriated their customers and [...]
MPs and campaigners deliver petition against M&S pay changes to the retailer’s flagship store September 1, 2016 MPs and campaigners turned up at Marks and Spencer's flagship store in Marble Arch today to deliver a petition – signed by 90,000 people – voicing concerns about the company's proposed pay cuts. Under the proposed changes, staff will lose the pay premiums they receive for working on Sundays and Bank Holidays and will face reduced pension [...]