RIP Wilko: How another high street chain went to the wall September 11, 2023 After more than 90 years on the high street, Wilko and all its 400 stores will vanish by early October. Its 12,500 staff were hoping that HMV owner Doug Putman would be able to close a rescue deal that would see several hundred stores saved. But the Canadian entrepreneur abandoned talks with the high street [...]
Wilko to shut all 400 stores, putting 12,500 jobs at risk September 11, 2023 All 400 Wilko stores will shut, putting 12,500 jobs at risk, according to a statement from the GMB union. Staff were informed about the development this morning and the group warned that it is now likely that all staff will be made redundant. It comes after a deal to acquire around 100 Wilko stores by [...]
Heatwave a ‘huge relief’ for hospitality sector after miserable summer September 9, 2023 The September heatwave has come as a “huge relief” for the hospitality sector after a miserable July and August, leading industry figures have said. Soaring temperatures over the past week have “brought back the feelgood factor” for business owners across the industry, they added. Thursday was provisionally the hottest day of the year so far, [...]
Pets at Home and CVS shares plunge after CMA vows to investigate veterinary fees September 7, 2023 Shares in British veterinary services firms Pets at Home and CVS Group plunged on Thursday, after the UK’s antitrust watchdog launched a review into the market amid concerns that pet owners might not be getting a good deal. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will look into the fees charged for veterinary services amid soaring [...]
Currys sticks to full-year guidance despite falling sales September 7, 2023 Currys has said it is sticking to its annual profit guidance despite recording a 4% fall in group sales in the 17 weeks to August. The British electrical goods seller reported a 2% dip in like-for-like sales in its UK and Ireland (UK&I) division as consumers put off buying expensive goods amid the cost of [...]
Ann Summers: Turnover reaches over £100m as lingerie retailer plots store expansion September 6, 2023 The erotic retailer, which has 88 stores across the UK and Ireland, plans to open four or five more stores in 2024, a new filing posted on Companies House shows.
TRG: Profits soar as Wagamama owner defies drab outlook for casual dining market September 6, 2023 TRG, which owns a slew of casual dining chains and pubs, its most popular being Japanese inspired eatery Wagamama, reported a 10 per cent rise in total revenue during the term to £467.4m.
Barratt Developments: Housebuilder blames mortgage misery for plummeting profits September 6, 2023 The number of homes the company built also declined 3.9 per cent during the term to 17,206, as a series of interest rate hikes by the Bank of England made buyers cautious.
Wilko: Store confirms over 1,000 job cuts – but talks with HMV owner continue September 5, 2023 Wilko’s administrators confirmed today that it will cut 1,300 jobs and close 52 stores.
Asda chairman says supermarkets owed ‘debt of gratitude’ as he snubs profiteering claims September 5, 2023 Asda’s chairman said supermarkets are owed a “great debt of gratitude” as he rebuffed claims that the grocer is profiteering from rising petrol and food prices amid the cost of living crisis. Speaking to LBC, Stuart Rose said that all retailers have seen their profits over the last year go “backwards”. “If you look at [...]