ABF: Primark owner powers through footfall slump to deliver solid growth September 5, 2024 Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) has reported a “significant improvement in profitability” despite a rainy summer threatening to dampen sales. The London-listed firm, which also owns Twinings Tea and a raft of food businesses, said it expected to see increased sales across its retail, grocery and ingredients divisions during its second half ending September [...]
Easing inflation helps retail footfall in August despite riots August 30, 2024 Retail footfall in the UK was boosted by good weather and easing inflation in August, despite the effect of the violent riots which erupted earlier in the month. Total UK retail footfall fell by 0.4 per cent in August year-on-year, compared to an annual drop of 3.3 per cent in July, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). It’s [...]
Quiz plots turnaround strategy after fashion chain swings to loss August 29, 2024 High street retailer Quiz has announced a turnaround strategy after swinging to a loss in its final year earnings, blaming cost-of-living pressures and cool consumer demand. The Glasgow-headquartered company booked a loss before tax of £6.7m, including a £1.5m non-recurring impairment charge, falling from a profit of £2.3m in 2023. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation [...]
Is the high street party over for Metro Bank? August 4, 2024 The boss of Metro Bank has said it will begin to shift its focus away from the high street as the lender looks to ramp up its business banking efforts.
From online to in-store: How retail is adapting to consumers August 3, 2024 The dual effects of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, as well as the ever-improving technology on offer, have changed the way people shop and how retail adapts to customers.
With Ted Baker stores set to close across the UK, what did consumers make of the brand? August 1, 2024 Yougov’s chief executive Steve Hatch takes a closer look at the data behind the biggest stories in business.
The Body Shop: What next for high street icon as tycoon eyes rescue deal? July 11, 2024 The future of collapsed high street icon The Body Shop could be decided in the next two weeks as it emerged that British tycoon Mike Jatania was in exclusive talks to rescue the brand.
Will it Work: The best and worst policies of the 2024 election campaign July 3, 2024 Happy Election Eve! To celebrate, here are “Will it Work’s” best and worst policies of the 2024 election campaign.
Clintons: Card giant axes stores and hundreds of staff as it slips back into the red June 13, 2024 Gift card giant Clintons has fallen back into the red after laying off hundreds of staff and closing more than 50 UK stores, as its owners grapple with its customers' changing shopping habits.
Marks and Spencer: Five charts revealing the remarkable turnaround of a British icon May 25, 2024 Wracked by poor sales figures, rickety online infrastructure and a general identity crisis M&S, the once darling of the British high street has pulled off a remarkable turnaround.