Four hot hair looks for autumn September 13, 2010 IN the spirit of renewal and productivity after a long, lax summer, autumn style is all about change. We’re leaving all things floaty behind and moving into the manic run-up-to-Christmas push. The sea change applies to hair as much as to clothes. No more the laid-back sun-streaked locks of summer. Rather, big and bold are [...]
Northern Foods revenues slide July 13, 2010 Food manufacturer Northern Foods said sales fell in the first quarter of its fiscal year, reflecting its decision to pull out of low margin contracts. The company, which makes own-label products for retailers as diverse as premium food seller Marks & Spencer and discounter Aldi, said yesterday comparable sales were down 1.6 per cent in [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: HOW HAVE STORES FARED DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON? January 14, 2010 SAM HART | CHARLES STANLEY “I think the overall performance of retailers has been impressive and a lot more resilient than expected. Halfords and DSG were slightly disappointing but the picture is a lot better than expected. I think one reason is that unemployment has not gone up to the levels anticipated.” JONATHAN PRITCHARD | [...]
Swiss class indoors, Swiss snow outdoors make an iconic St Moritz hotel October 24, 2010 THE lift doors opened and, there, standing in the grand foyer of St Moritz’s Suvretta House, stood a woman who seemed to epitomise this luxurious Swiss hotel. Tall, elegant and effortlessly chic in her glossy fur coat paired with long, expensive black boots, she oozed European-style opulence. Behind her, the stunning alpine view glinted in [...]
What to drink this Christmas December 6, 2009 Champagne As chosen by Esme Johnston, director of www.fromvineyardsdirect.comPerrier JouetBelle EpoqueCream and honey, brioche and lingering nutmeg notes make this special edition bubbly a delightful classic that’s wonderful with food or on its own. £86.95 at www.thedrinkshop.com Serge Mathieu Superb grower’s champagne, it’s nutty and golden with creamy richness and a light, punchy mousse. Great [...]
The Tube boss who is battling to rebuild the world’s oldest network November 17, 2010 It has been a tough few months for the new managing director of London Underground. Mike Brown, a company veteran who returned in March, faces his fourth strike over the axing of ticket office jobs in a matter of weeks. Tube unions RMT and the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association say getting rid of 800 ticket [...]
THE TIPSTER July 25, 2010 ARM Holdings had a cracking start to the year with the company’s share price racing ahead. Signs of a global economic recovery and an increase in corporate spending on technology is helping the sector. But with the share price trading at the top end of analyst estimates, Tuesday’s interims could be the trigger for profit [...]
Slow start for Christmas sales season December 17, 2009 The Christmas shopping season has got off to a slow start, with retailers reporting a fall in sales volumes in November, dampening hopes of a bumper festive period on the high street. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that retail sales volumes unexpectedly fell by 0.3 per cent in November. Department stores [...]
JJB cautious on Christmas as sales drop December 17, 2009 JJB Sports has reported a 52 per cent plunge in sales in the 20 weeks to 13 December, with the Christmas season failing to reverse its fortunes. The struggling sports retailer has been trying to stage a fight back after it came close to going into administration earlier in the year. But the latest gloomy [...]
Park profit dips but revenue rises June 10, 2010 Christmas hampers and financial services firm Park reported a fall in pre-tax profit yesterday, while revenues increased. Pre-tax profit fell to £5.3m from £6.2m a year earlier, for the year to 31 March. However, revenue increased to £263.2m from £250.5m and operating profit leapt by 38 per cent. A final dividend of 0.88p per share [...]