UK property: Britain’s struggling pub trade is yielding opportunities for supermarkets and residential developers August 25, 2015 The Grotto Inn on the top of Monument Hill in Weybridge was a thriving pub before falling on hard times three years ago. It was forced to call last orders after succumbing to competition from nearby bars and pubs and has lain empty since – its windows boarded up and beer taps gathering dust. [...]
Don’t fear low inflation: It’s great news for consumers while it lasts August 18, 2015 The latest retail figures in the UK showed good growth. Things are also looking up in the US and in much of the euro area. The world economy has settled into a period of steady growth with very little inflation in the major economies. Indeed, just yesterday, official figures revealed that consumer price index inflation [...]
Online marketplace Notonthehighstreet appoints retail veteran Darren Shapland as its chairman June 1, 2015 Online platform for independent retailers notonthehighstreet.com has appointed Darren Shapland as its new chairman. Shapland currently serves as the chairman of the retail businesses Poundland, Topps Tiles and Maplin Electronics. He is also a non-executive director at Ladbrokes and Wolseley, chairing the audit committee. The experienced retailer has also previously worked with other major firms. [...]
Tesco’s ban on sugary drinks is fine – as long as the government keeps away and consumers can still vote with their feet July 28, 2015 As a libertarian, I don’t quite know what to think about Tesco’s decision to drop Ribena and other sugary drinks for kids. On its own, I can see the advantages. As part of a broader trend, it’s a little worrying. So why might Tesco be doing this? Let’s take it for granted that Tesco [...]
Tesco share price falls, sales slide as discounters march on ahead June 30, 2015 Tesco shares were dealt a blow yesterday, after industry figures revealed another slowdown in sales at the troubled supermarket chain – despite its recent efforts to turn itself around. Data from Kantar Worldpanel showed sales at Tesco fell by 1.3 per cent in the 12 weeks to 21 June, underperforming the overall grocery [...]
Sainsbury’s bids adieu to its cherished King July 9, 2014 Hundreds of Sainsbury’s shareholders gathered in Queen Elizabeth Hall yesterday for the Great Justin King Love-in, otherwise billed as the supermarket’s AGM. Van Morrison was blaring, there were “Goodbye Justin” t-shirts and the hall was packed with shareholders eager to bid farewell to their King (as it was actually his last day on the job). [...]
Sainsbury’s Bank doubles its workforce June 24, 2014 SAINSBURY’S hired 500 more workers yesterday as it expands its foreign currency operations through its banking arm. The expansion of its deal with forex provider Travelex will more than double its workforce, which currently stands at 400. Those staff had previously worked in the supermarket’s bureaux, and are being transferred over under the five-year agreement. [...]
Morrisons clings to its position in FTSE 100 index June 3, 2015 MORRISONS yesterday narrowly escaped eviction from the FTSE 100 after being saved at the eleventh hour by strong retail figures. Inmarsat was yesterday promoted to Britain’s premier share index, while power company Aggreko was relegated to the FTSE 250. Bradford-based Morrisons had been widely expected to be demoted after suffering a decline in sales, profit [...]
July Budget 2015: Liberalised shopping on Sundays will deliver big benefits to the consumer July 7, 2015 The liberalisation of Sunday trading hours, expected to be announced in the Budget today, is a timely response to the way in which Sundays have changed in the 21 years since shopping hours were last reformed in 1994. Sundays remain a day of leisure for most of us, and our leisure time is enriched by [...]
Ready meals recalled after metal claims May 13, 2015 PRODUCE Investments shares fell 12.33 per cent yesterday after it recalled “a number” of potato salad products, and other ready meals, as there was a risk that traces of metal could be found in products made by one if its subsidiaries. The potato and daffodil grower released a statement identifying the affected subsidiary as Swancote [...]