Mike Ashley acquires Intu property despite row with retail landlord over House of Fraser stores November 30, 2018 Mike Ashley has acquired a new property from Intu despite a public bust up with the retail landlord in which he threatened to withdraw 17 of his stores from their shopping centres. The billionaire has bought a long leasehold on the former BHS site in Derby from Intu, according to the Press Association. It comes just two [...]
Retail magnate Mike Ashley prepares to give evidence about high street struggles to MPs November 26, 2018 Retail tycoon Mike Ashley is to give evidence about the woes facing the high street in front of a parliamentary committee next week after demanding an audience with MPs. Sports Direct confirmed today that the billionaire businessman is to face Westminster’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee for an hour-long session next Monday. The announcement [...]
Ashley hits out at politicians and landlords ahead of committee hearing November 22, 2018 Mike Ashley today lashed out at politicians for failing Britain’s beleaguered high streets, as he demanded an audience with MPs in Westminster next month. The retail billionaire and Newcastle United owner, who has recently acquired House of Fraser and Evans Cycles, called on both politicians and landlords to do more to help struggling retail outlets. [...]
Evans Cycles set for closures in spite of ‘profit’ November 18, 2018 Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley is set to close a swathe of Evans Cycles stores in spite of recent suggestions that most of its outlets turn a profit. The retail magnate has warned that he might only be able to keep half of Evans Cycles stores open in the future “in order to save the [...]
Sports Direct confirms closures of four more House of Fraser stores around the UK November 14, 2018 Four more House of Fraser branches are set to close under new owner Sports Direct as negotiations with a landlord broke down. House of Fraser said today that its Intu-owned sites in Norwich and Nottingham, as well as shopping centre stores in Lakeside in Essex and Metrocentre in Gateshead, will close in early 2019. The [...]
Game Digital narrows losses as it chases high margins with e-sports venture November 8, 2018 Game Digital narrowed its losses but still saw sales fall in its full year results published today. The figures Revenue came in flat ar £782.3m in the year to the end of July, while the video game retailer made a loss before tax of £7.4m, 26 per cent better than 2017's £10m, as the retailer bumped up cash [...]
Sports Direct buys Evans Cycles, but Mike Ashley to close 30 stores October 30, 2018 Evans Cycles has been sold to Sports Direct as part of a pre-pack administration. Around half of the cycling shop's 60 stores will be forced to close, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley said as he announced the deal. Ashley commented: "We are pleased to have rescued the Evans Cycles brand. However, in order to save the [...]
Ranked: Sports Direct tops poll of UK’s most loathed brands October 23, 2018 House of Fraser owner Sports Direct is the UK’s most loathed brand, according to consumer finance website Money Saving Expert. However, billionaire Mike Ashley's bottom-placed retail giant may have been hurt by a social media campaign against the company, admitted the website, which asked 7,600 readers to rank 52 household name brands. Read more: Mike [...]
French Connection founder Stephen Marks could sell 42 per cent stake, company confirms October 8, 2018 The founder of French Connection is looking to sell, 46 years after creating the fashion brand, the company has confirmed. Stephen Marks is looking to offload his 42 per cent shareholding and has started approaching potential buyers. The company said it is “currently reviewing all strategic options in order to deliver maximum value for its [...]
French Connection chief seeks to sell off controlling stake October 6, 2018 French Connection founder Stephen Marks is sounding out potential buyers for his controlling stake in the retailer, it emerged today, in a deal which could trigger a takeover of the whole business. Advisers from Numis Securities, acting on Marks' behalf, have been speaking to prospective bidders this week about the 42 per cent shareholding, sources [...]