It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: London switches on world’s largest lights November 13, 2021 More than one million LED lights will deck London’s most well-known Christmas hotspots, including Leicester Square, Mayfair and Piccadilly Circus. A total of 20 streets across the city’s West End all had their lights switched on at the same time by the Lord Mayor of Westminster to mark the beginning of the festive season. Shoppers [...]
Exclusive: London fitness platform formed by ex-Barry’s trainers raises fresh equity November 12, 2021 Online fitness platform Grndhouse, co-founded by five London fitness trainers, has raised a financing round led by venture capital firm Passion Capital, the firm told City A.M. this morning. The £1.5m investment will be used to launch a 4,500 sq ft film studio and facility, along with an app in early 2022, the firm said. [...]
Slim pickings: Frozen turkeys dwindle amid labour shortage and consumer spending splurge November 11, 2021 There is slim availability of frozen turkeys, which prompted fears over Christmas after Covid-19 curbed festivities last year, according to the latest research. Around 18 per cent of stores stocking the Christmas dinner staple in the UK had either “low” stock or “none” at all, market researcher Kantar found, although supplies have increased slightly since [...]
These aren’t just good results…M&S buoyed by update November 11, 2021 Marks and Spencers’ shares were back in fashion on the FTSE 250 yesterday, after a buoyant update indicated greener pastures for the once ailing brand. The retailer boosted full year profit expectations as it reported a profit before tax of £187.3m in the six months to 2 October, sending shares up more than 16 per [...]
WH Smith hails ‘good start’ to the year despite loss of £104m November 11, 2021 Retailer WH Smith has hailed a “good start” to the new financial year amid a continued recovery in its travel stores. It came as the company reported a group pre-tax loss of £104m for the year to August, reducing its losses from £226m last year. Meanwhile, total revenues for the year dropped by 13% against [...]
Burberry’s profits powered by soaring Americas sales November 11, 2021 British fashion house Burberry has been revived by rising revenues across the Americas, as full-price sales in the region nearly doubled in the first half of the year. Revenues in Europe remain 31 per cent down like-for-like on last years figures, while sales remain flat in Asia Pacific region. However, the firm is maintaining its [...]
Uber Eats adds pub grub to app including Toby Carvery and Miller & Carter November 11, 2021 Uber Eats has added pub giant Mitchells & Butlers to its app offering The partnership means 1,000 bars, restaurants and pubs – including Miller & Carter and Toby Carvery – will join the app by the end of the year. What’s more, to celebrate the addition, Uber Eats is offering free delivery on pub dishes from [...]
British brands to miss out on Chinese shopping occasion Singles Day November 11, 2021 British brands are set to lose out on the Chinese shopping occasion Singles Day today as consumers opt for local brands instead. More than a third of Chinese shoppers said they would buy fewer products from British brands this year compared to last year. Consultancy AlixPartners, who organised the survey of over 2,000 Chinese consumers, [...]
Adapt or die: What can retail, health and other industries learn from banks? Turns out, a lot November 10, 2021 What can retail, health and other industries learn from banks? Turns out, a lot. A third of Brits rate their digital experiences in financial services a 9 or 10 out of 10 compared to other industries. In fact, whether it is making payments, getting a loan or even opening a new account, by far most [...]
M&S shares surge more than 15 per cent following full year profit hike November 10, 2021 Marks and Spencer (M&S) has lifted its full year profit expectations as the high street retailer looks to expand its store offering – and take over six former Debenhams sites. Shares surged a massive 15.76 per cent to 225.10p per share by mid-morning, boosting the entire market. “The shares have come roaring back from the [...]