Christmas adverts 2015 – Sainsbury’s Mog the Cat reviewed: When it comes to John Lewis vs Sainsbury’s, this year it’s no contest November 12, 2015 Last year Sainsbury's surprised everyone by becoming a contender to steal the crown from John Lewis for best Christmas ad. This year, there is no contest. The 3:30-animation of Mog the Cat doing what only the Judith Kerr creation can (causing mayhem, naturally – or in this case, a Christmas calamity), bests its department store [...]
Christmas adverts 2015 UK: John Lewis’ Man on the Moon faces stiff competition as Sainsbury’s hopes its Mog the Cat is not just for Christmas November 25, 2015 In the race for the most memorable TV ad campaign, it has been cat versus the man on the moon. John Lewis’ Christmas advert, usually a hands-down winner, has faced stiff competition this year from children’s favourite, Mog the Cat, the star of Sainsbury’s effort. Last year, Sainsbury’s advert was set in the First World War [...]
Here’s why Ocado’s share price has slumped this morning September 13, 2016 Ocado's share price fell more than 10 per cent in early trading this morning, despite the company announcing retail sales growth of over 13 per cent. The stock had dipped by almost 15 per cent before noon, in a sell-off sparked by comments from the delivery service's chief executive Tim Steiner, who said the company is facing continued margin [...]
Business rates that hit London need reform October 11, 2016 Business rates are a blunt instrument, one which is set to deliver a heavy blow to London’s retailers, offices and hotels. Rates are due to rise from next April after a revaluation of rateable values for England’s 1.85m commercial properties by the Valuation Office Agency. It is the first such revaluation since 2010. Analysis by [...]
John Lewis profit dented by £60m pension charge September 11, 2015 John Lewis warned yesterday that full-year profits could be as much as 21 per cent lower on the back of pension charges and tough competition on the high street and in the grocery market. The partnership, which includes John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, said pre-tax profits in the six months to 1 [...]
Black Friday sales 2015 UK: The best deals and offers from John Lewis, Amazon, Tesco, Currys PC World and Sainsbury on 27 November November 27, 2015 Retailers have been building up to Black Friday for months – now it's finally here and the best bargains have gone on sale. There's plenty of deals to choose from, ranging from electricals and homeware to fashion and sporting goods. Here's our round-up of the best the high street (and online) has to offer today. John [...]
Black Friday UK 2015: Here’s how retailer websites Argos, Amazon, John Lewis, Currys and more are holding up as people hunt for deals November 26, 2015 Customers hunting for Black Friday deals are being held back by the slowness of retailers' websites, with Argos customers waiting nearly 10 seconds to bag a bargain in some instances. The Argos website had temporary service issues for 15 minutes on the Friday before the biggest shopping day of the year, according to website analyst firm Capacitas. [...]
Getting ready to decorate this year? Well it’s time to get serious about your bauble game November 23, 2016 If you enjoy idly browsing the shelves of high street stores, you have American entrepreneur Frank Woolworth to thank. The 19th century dime-store magnate pioneered the practice of self-service shopping, whereby customers can handle goods without the assistance of a clerk. Woolworth also enforced the idea of fixed pricing, rather than haggling, as the common [...]
Black Friday 2015 is about more than just John Lewis, Tesco, and Amazon: Small businesses getting in on the shopping frenzy through eBay November 25, 2015 Brace yourselves: there are now less than 48 hours to go until the year’s biggest shopping frenzy hits, with UK shoppers predicted to part with a record-smashing £1bn this Black Friday. Retail giants like John Lewis, Asda, Tesco and Amazon may be reaping the biggest rewards from the massive Black Friday sales spike – but [...]
John Lewis and BlackRock to convert Beechwood shopping centre into £30m Cheltenham store October 9, 2015 Cheltenham's Beechwood shopping centre is being converted into a new £30m John Lewis department store, the retailer confirmed today. John Lewis, BlackRock and Cheltenham Borough Council are combining forces (and resources) to transform the centre – which is currently home to rival department store Debenhams and high street staple Next – over the next two [...]