Jack Wills stores at risk as Sports Direct kicks off landlord negotiations August 7, 2019 Sports Direct has begun to negotiate with landlords over rent cuts at Jack Wills stores, which could see some branches marked for closure by the end of this week. Mike Ashley’s company is seeking to slash rents at poor performing branches after acquiring the retailer earlier this week. Stores will be shuttered if a new [...]
Flutter Entertainment struggles in face of betting tax hikes as profit plunges August 7, 2019 Flutter Entertainment, the gambling group formerly known as Paddy Power Betfair, has suffered a difficult first six months under its new moniker, with profits falling by a quarter as significant betting tax increases kicked in. Firms in the gambling sector are trying to counteract the new regulation by boosting revenues. Flutter succeeded in doing this, [...]
The last resort: With travel operators running into trouble, here’s how to protect your holiday August 7, 2019 When you’ve spent hundreds or even thousands of pounds to escape to somewhere sunny for the summer holidays, you may have to stifle a scream when you find out that your travel operator has gone bust days before you were set to fly. This scenario will sound all too familiar to many families, after news [...]
Retailers beware, the online shopping revolution isn’t going anywhere August 7, 2019 Another week, another retailer biting the dust. The baked potato specialist Spudulike has closed all 37 of its branches, with a loss of nearly 300 jobs. Shopping centres are undergoing a sudden and dramatic squeeze, with many retailers only able to stay in business if granted a dramatic rent reduction. Last week, Intu Properties, owners [...]
Boohoo snaps up Karen Millen and Coast brands for £18m August 6, 2019 Fast fashion company Boohoo has bought the Karen Millen and Coast brands out of administration for £18.2m, putting more than 1000 jobs at risk as store closures loom. The online retailer said it made the acquisitions after Karen Millen entered administration this afternoon. Boohoo shares were up 6.65 per cent following the announcement. Read more: [...]
Domino’s CEO to quit as international arm takes huge slice out of profits August 6, 2019 The chief executive of Domino’s is set to step down, the pizza chain said today as it revealed that profits plunged in the first half of 2019. David Wild has informed the board that he will “retire from his role”, with the retailer kicking off a search for his successor. The figures The pizzeria blamed [...]
No need for tears: Boohoo confirms offer for Karen Millen and Coast online brands August 6, 2019 Boohoo today confirmed it has made an offer for the online arms of Karen Millen and Coast fashion retailers. The digital fashion giant did not say whether the potential acquisition includes any plans for the firms’ bricks-and-mortar stores. Read more: 1,000 jobs at risk as Boohoo set to acquire struggling Karen Millen Up to 1,000 [...]
July 2019 worst on record for retail sales growth August 6, 2019 Last month was the worst July on record for retail sales growth, according to new data published today in the latest blow for the struggling industry. Total sales growth was 0.3 per cent in July – compared to an increase of 1.6 per cent last year- the lowest level recorded for the month since records [...]
Jobs on line as Boohoo set to take over struggling Karen Millen August 5, 2019 Concerns were raised for over 1,000 jobs this evening as it emerged that online retailer Boohoo looks set to snap up British brand Karen Millen. Sky News reported that negotiations continued into the night, and the deal could be finalised when Deloitte is appointed as administrator to Karen Millen. Read more: UK fashion brand Karen [...]
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct buys Jack Wills for £12.8m August 5, 2019 Retail tycoon Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has bought struggling high street brand Jack Wills out of administration for £12.75m. Ashley won a race against British billionaire Philip Day, who owns the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, to snap up the “preppy” fashion retailer. Read more: Philip Day tables bid to avoid Jack Wills administration Will Wright [...]