McDonald’s US sales disappoint December 9, 2013 MCDONALD’S yesterday reported another sluggish month of sales at established restaurants, results that suggest the famed hamburger chain is losing US market share to rivals. November’s biggest disappointment came from the US, where monthly sales at restaurants open at least 13 months fell 0.8 per cent, versus the 0.3 per cent gain expected. Same-restaurant sales [...]
Mighty Wings fail to save McDonald’s from poor performance in October November 8, 2013 McDonald's, the world's largest fast-food company, recorded a weaker than expected sales increase of 0.2 per cent in the US in October. New products such as the Mighty Wings and the Pumpkin Spiced Latte were largely responsible for the tepid growth seen in the US, but failed to produce impressive results. Sales in Europe rose [...]
Phoenix from the flames: With US stocks at record highs, where can investors look next? April 23, 2015 From the darkest depths of the financial crisis six years ago, the world’s largest economy has rebounded strongly – and its equity markets have soared. US equities are now entering the seventh year of a bull market, with the seemingly unstoppable S&P 500 reaching a new record high virtually every month. The performance of [...]
The Whopper of all rows: Burger King slammed by customers after Tim Horton deal August 26, 2014 Burger King was forced to issue a statement claiming its merger with doughnut business Tim Horton was “not tax-driven” after receiving a barrage of criticism on social media today. The burger giant today struck a deal to create the world's third largest fast food restaurant with a market capitalisation of $20bn (£12bn), as part [...]
Battle of the Burgers: Burger King serves up sales growth to equal rival McDonald’s October 28, 2013 Fast food chain Burger King has reported higher quarterly profits on the back of cost reductions and higher same-restaurant sales growth in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Burger King said that same-restaurant sales grew by 0.9 per cent in the third quarter – the same as the growth reported by rival McDonald's [...]
McDonald’s plans $3bn facelift November 14, 2013 McDonald’s said last night that it plans to spend $2.9bn to $3bn next year to open 1,500 to 1,600 new restaurants and remodel about 1,000 others – roughly in line with this year’s reduced spending forecast. The world’s biggest hamburger chain, which recently has struggled to meaningfully expand sales at established restaurants, last month trimmed [...]
A digital billboard revolution: The top out-of-home advertising sites changing the face of London November 2, 2014 In creative terms, advertising mediums can be split into “hot” and “cool” media. This distinction was first put forward by Canadian media critic Marshall McLuhan 50 years ago. The difference is that hot media grabs you, whereas people actively choose to get involved with cool media – the audience does the grabbing. Print, cinema, [...]
New York Report: Dow creeping towards special 17,000 mark July 2, 2014 US stocks yesterday ended one of their flattest sessions in years as a positive read on private sector employment wasn’t enough to interest buyers ahead of the highly anticipated June payrolls report. The Dow ended 0.2 per cent below the landmark 17,000 points, at 16,976.24, the S&P 500 gained 0.07 per cent, to 1,974.62 and [...]
Playing sport boosts your chances in the City by improving your teamworking skills November 6, 2014 Playing rugby can help to improve your teamwork skills and demonstrate discipline. A huge opportunity is on its way. News that ITV is bumping some of its major shows in favour of rugby World Cup matches next year is an indication of the chance to create a real legacy for the sport. The potential [...]
London buses: Now you can pay fares by tapping in with a mobile August 4, 2014 In the march towards a future where you can do everything through your mobile phone, London buses are the latest to get on board. Contactless payment system Cash on Tap is being accepted by TFL on all London bus routes and works in the same way as an Oyster card or contactless card. Handy if [...]