Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction: London’s oldest festive tradition returns One of London’s oldest festive trading traditions returns this Christmas Eve, as the gates at Smithfield Market’s Grade II listed Grand Avenue are set to open at 09:30, for the iconic Smithfield Christmas Meat Auction. The Auction began around a century ago, as traders prepared for their well-earned festive break and sold off excess supplies [...]
Marks and Spencer shares plunge despite bumper results Retail Marks and Spencer shares plunged by eight per cent in early deals this morning as investors digested the company’s Christmas trading update. The food and clothing retailer told markets this morning that food sales increased 8.7 in the 13 weeks to December 28, and sales of its new Christmas products grew 14 per cent. This [...]
Retailers reassess how to reel in cash-strapped Brits for Black Friday 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 [...]
Harrods faces major Christmas strike as staff demand inflation-busting festive bonus November 11, 2024 London’s iconic department store Harrods is facing the prospect of major strike action by its staff over the critical Christmas period. Hundreds of staff, who are members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, will vote on strike action in December over what they have described as “poor working conditions” and their festive [...]
M&S set to buck retail trend and see a bumper golden quarter November 6, 2024 After reporting a set of results far ahead of analysts’ expectations for the third quarter, Marks and Spencer is set for a bumper Christmas period as its turnaround continues to bear fruit. Its food division is particularly well-placed to deliver, with sales already up more than seven per cent in the third quarter. M&S’ food [...]
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 [...]