‘Winners and losers’ as digital commerce feels the post-pandemic pinch: THG Ingenuity boss RETAIL Digital commerce leaders are facing a different "exam question" as a result of higher costs and a tougher economic environment, the boss of THG Ingenuity has said.
Mothercare swings to loss as it prepares to refinance debt Mothercare Baby products brand Mothercare has revealed it swung to a loss over the latest year as it is set to complete a refinancing of its debts after interest rates shot up. The retailer said it was taking longer to return to pre-pandemic sales levels. Mothercare, which sells its ranges through retail giant Boots in the [...]
Retailers put all their chips on inflation cooling during golden Christmas run-up Retail A better than expected inflation reading, and growing consumer confidence and sales, have offered a glimmer of hope for the UK’s retail sector, as they turn their focus to the vital Christmas trading months. According to today’s ONS figures, retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group drags Morgan Stanely boss to court seeking £50m in damages September 22, 2023 Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has dragged the chief executive of Morgan Stanely into a UK legal battle over a $1bn (£814m) margin call regarding Hugo Boss trade. In a New York court filing lodged earlier this week, seen by The Telegraph, the retail group asked the court to make James Gorden hand over documents and [...]
Consumer confidence continues to rise amid cost-of-living woes September 22, 2023 Consumer confidence is continuing to rise against a backdrop of falling inflation – but many households are continuing to struggle with cost-of-living pressures, according to a survey. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased four points in September, but remains at a subdued minus 21. Expectations for the UK’s wider economy over the next 12 months [...]
Retail sales show signs of recovery after summer washout September 22, 2023 Retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in August 2023, partially recovering from a fall of 1.1 per cent in July 2023, new government figures show. Non-food stores sales volumes grew by 0.6 per cent in August 2023, following a fall of 1.2 per cent in July 2023 when unseasonable rainy weather drove shoppers [...]
High street struggles: 2,000 local stores, pubs and hairdressers wiped away this year September 21, 2023 Nearly 2,000 independent local stores were left vacant in the first half of this year, as the cost of living crisis continues to eat away at the health of the high street and small businesses. Some 1,915 independent businesses on high streets, retail parks and shopping centres closed in the first leg of this year, marking [...]
Co-op invests £70m into fresh price cuts for as losses narrow September 21, 2023 The Co-op has invested a further £70m investment into lowering pricing for customers as its losses narrowed after the sale of its forecourts business to Asda. The retailer pumped £20m into price cuts in the first half year and said it now has plans for a further £70m investment, which includes 200 reductions for users [...]
DFS profits halved as sofa maker is battered by ‘tough economic climate’ September 21, 2023 Sofa seller DFS saw annual profits almost cut in half, sliding to £29.7m from £58.5m a year earlier, as the retailer was battered by economic conditions. Revenue from operations fell 5.3 per cent to £1.09bn in the year to June 25, with the group blaming soaring inflation. Chief executive Tim Stacey said that the company [...]
JD Sports’ sales hit £4.7bn as trainers king ramps up athleisure drive September 21, 2023 JD Sports said revenues grew 8.3 per cent to £4.7bn in the six months to the end of July, as the trainers champion continues to plough ahead with its athleisure expansion plans. The shoe and sportswear stores reported a 25.8 per cent growth in statutory profit before tax to £375m and operating profit grew 20.2 [...]