Jobs market gets Christmas boost from seasonal hiring November 25, 2024 In October, there were 0.64 per cent more vacancies than there were six months ago, the first time the six-monthly reading has been positive in 2024.
Retail sales fall on Budget uncertainty before run-up to Christmas November 22, 2024 Retail sales fell by almost one per cent last month as cash-strapped Brits held back big ticket purchases amid a cloud of Budget uncertainty. The Office for National Statistics said this morning they dropped by 0.7 per cent in October, following a 0.1 per cent rise the previous month, which had been revised down from [...]
The Great Christmas Feast review: the best seasonal event in London November 19, 2024 With rip-off Christmas events around every corner in the capital, it’s refreshing to find a yuletide event that takes itself seriously. The Great Christmas Feast is a theatrical event based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, with a three-course meal served in intervals between the appearances of each of the ghosts. Inspired by Victorian cooking [...]
Will an algorithm generate the next big Christmas ad? November 18, 2024 Christmas is coming and algorithms are at work, pushing the boundaries of creativity to ensure the tills keep ringing. But can AI tools ever really craft an ad that resonates on a deep, human level? Asks Paul Armstrong The Christmas ads have arrived, including a fake – and viral – John Lewis one, flooding our [...]
Retailers reassess how to reel in cash-strapped Brits for Black Friday November 16, 2024 As Brits’ loyalty to brands continues to erode and their commitment to seeking value continues to rise, retailers are optimising their digital presence in hopes of a bumper festive season. With online spending reaching ever-higher levels, and brand loyalty going down thanks to the increasing ease of switching between products on the internet, it’s become [...]
John Lewis set for Black Friday and Christmas hiring spree October 28, 2024 The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is gearing up for a hiring offensive in the coming months as the retail group looks to bring in thousands of temporary staff for the festive season. Some 12,500 new workers are set to join its John Lewis department store and Waitrose grocery arm, up 4,100 on the same period [...]
Retailers pin hopes on bumper golden quarter with Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas October 14, 2024 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 [...]
Warpaint London: Makeup firm behind W7 sees sales soar following Superdrug deal June 26, 2024 Warpaint London, the company behind makeup brands W7 and Technic, has revealed a strong start to its financial year with sales up £10m following a deal with Superdrug.
Bodycare edges toward the black as it reveals huge expansion plans June 24, 2024 Toiletries retailer Bodycare has revealed plans to open 40 new stores in the south of England as it edged closer to returning to the black during its latest financial year, according to new documents.
Thwaites defies ‘washout’ summer worries as beer sales soar June 19, 2024 Daniel Thwaites, the company behind Thwaites beer and hundreds of hospitality venues, has celebrated increased sales despite concerns over a "washout" summer.