Mothercare continues to struggle but announces fresh financing Business Baby products brand Mothercare has reported a drop in sales as it continues to struggle with post-pandemic demand, but has said its new deal with Indian giant reliance will help to shape a turnaround. The retailer said the decline was mainly due to “continuing challenges” in Middle East markets. It told markets this morning that [...]
Retailers pin hopes on bumper golden quarter with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas Business The final three months of the year, also known as the golden quarter, are make-or-break for retailers. Retail spending has consistently languished this year, or been propped up by margin-carving discounts, but pent-up demand is expected to give the sector a much-needed boost during the holidays, according to a panel of industry experts. Despite consumer [...]
River Island ‘positive’ about future despite £30m losses Business High street retailer River Island has slipped into the red with a £30m loss before tax as it struggles to hold up against online competition and rising costs. The company reported a loss before tax of £32.3m in 2023, down from profit of £7.5m in 2022, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. Turnover fell [...]
1,500 City of London retailers set for surprise tax cut after ruling October 9, 2024 More than 1,500 retail shops in the City of London could see their tax bill slashed after a tribunal ruled a Cheapside store was paying too much in business rates. The Valuation Tribunal for England ruled that the rateable value applied to the main space of a City of London shop by the Valuation Office [...]
The ‘battle for value is on’ at UK grocers as supermarkets push discounts October 8, 2024 Higher spending at supermarkets over the last month has been driven by sales of discounted goods as grocers compete to bring financially-stretched customers through their doors, according to fresh data. Grocery price inflation increased slightly to two per cent during the four weeks to 29 September, up from 1.7 per cent last month, according to [...]
John Lewis boss to step back from role after two years October 7, 2024 John Lewis Partnership chief executive Nish Kankiwala will step back from his role in spring next year, with freshly-inaugurated chair Jason Terry to take a larger role in the day-to-day running of the firm. The retailer, which runs both the John Lewis retail chain and the Waitrose grocery arm, said that Kankiwala will revert to [...]
Online discounting gives retail a boost but puts margins under pressure October 4, 2024 Widespread retail discounting boosted online sales growth in September, but has continued to squeeze their already-tight profit margins, according to fresh data. Total retail sales grew by 4.7 per cent compared to September last year and online sales were up by 11.6 per cent, accountancy and business advisory firm BDO’s high street sales tracker found. However, [...]
Luxury retail might be struggling globally, but it’s thriving in London October 4, 2024 It’s somewhat surprisingly that luxury retail in London is doing so well, particularly given eye-catching figures about a wider downturn in the luxury market, the effect of the tourist tax, and the potential exodus of high-net-worth non doms from the capital. But while these “handicaps” – particularly the tourist tax – have hampered demand somewhat, [...]
JD Sports: Revenue hits record as US expansion pays off October 2, 2024 JD Sports has reported record revenue in the first half of the year after a pick-up in sales and the acquisition of American retailer Hibbett. Revenue at the retailer reached just over £5bn in the 26 weeks to 3 August 2024, up by 5.2 per cent year on year. Profit before tax rose by two [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group tables £83m Mulberry takeover bid after capital raise snub September 30, 2024 Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has tabled a £83m takeover of Mulberry and launched a tirade against its board after allegedly being shut out of discussions over a £10m fund raise. The retail giant, which owns a 37 per cent stake in Mulberry, offered £83m for the rest of the luxury fashion brand, valuing each share [...]