Is the John Lewis Christmas advert never knowingly over commercial? November 11, 2015 Christmas comes but once a year – as does John Lewis’ much-heralded festive TV ad campaign. And, regular as clockwork, its Man on the Moon ad was released on Friday as part of the retailer’s £7m campaign. As usual, it’s a heart-warming story played out over a now customary cover of a classic song, Oasis’ [...]
Sky is having a Black Friday sale and it includes a free TV, laptop or Xbox One November 24, 2016 Black Friday might be a US thing, but that doesn't mean some of the biggest British brands aren't getting involved. And many of them aren't even retailers. Step forward, Sky, which has launched its own Black Friday shop, with deals on TV bundles and broadband. And you could end up with a free TV. The [...]
White Christmas, white goods: These are AO World’s best Black Friday deals November 25, 2016 Black Friday isn't just limited to bricks-and-mortar retailers – this year, the online retailers are getting in there too. White goods giant AO World has entered the fray. Whether you're a whizz in the kitchen or would rather relax in front of a giant telly, here are some of its best deals. Read more: Sky [...]
Why Biffa’s chief executive refused to scrap IPO plans despite “fairly tortuous process” November 30, 2016 The chief executive of Biffa has described taking the waste management company public this year as a “fairly tortuous process”. Biffa pushed ahead with its initial public offering (IPO) in October, but was forced to reduce its share price offer from 220p to 180p, meaning a total raise of £210m, down from £270m. Other companies, [...]
These are eBay’s best Black Friday bargains November 24, 2016 Traditional retailers such as Tesco and John Lewis may be planning big Black Friday events – but don't discount Ebay when you're bargain-hunting – it isn't just about selling people's old tat any more, you know… Here are the auction site's best deals today: 1. Game on One for the gamers (or those with kids who [...]
It might not be our problem in the future: Southern rail’s owner cuts pension costs to reflect “limited responsibility” November 29, 2016 It's been a nightmare year for Southern rail. But its owner was given a boost today after revealing its profits will leap by 38 per cent, simply by changing the way it accounts for its railway pension costs. Go-Ahead shares were one of the top movers in the FTSE 250 this morning, up over three per cent, following [...]
John Lewis opens its first European store as it expands into the Netherlands November 11, 2015 John Lewis may be the chattering classes' favourite department store at home – but so far, it hasn't ventured into Europe. But that's about to change: today the retailer announced plans to open its first European offerings – in the Netherlands. The company said it will open three "shop-in-shops" in de Bijenkorf department stores. The first three [...]
Parcel delivery giant Hermes face HMRC inquiry after low-pay allegations October 20, 2016 Courier giant Hermes has been referred to HMRC following complaints that they are paying staff less than the national living wage. Employees at the firm, who deliver for John Lewis and Next, were taking home less than the national living wage once petrol costs were taken out, a recent investigation found. Hermes workers also said they received no holidays or [...]
Tesco directors were responsible for ‘bullying’ employees into false accounting collusion September 29, 2017 Three former Tesco directors have been called "bullies" in court as their trial for fraud and false accounting draws to a close. Former Tesco UK managing director Christopher Bush, former commercial director for food John Scouler, and former finance director Carl Rogberg were today described as the "generals" who gave orders to the "footsoldiers" by [...]
John Lewis sales suffer post-Black Friday hangover but sales are still up year-on-year December 11, 2015 After reporting record-breaking numbers over Black Friday, John Lewis today said that it saw a double-digit drop in sales last week. Sales fell 11.8 per cent to £165.6m compared with the last week of November, although the number is still up 13.6 per cent on the same week last year. This is in stark contrast [...]