Lego sales surge as housebound families play during lockdown September 2, 2020 Lego sales surged in the first half of the year as housebound families spent more time playing games during coronavirus lockdowns. Sales were up 14 per cent in the first six months of 2020 compared to the same period last year due to a jump in demand as more people stayed at home during the [...]
The City View: Linda Plant, The Apprentice interrogator, on why working from home must come to an end September 2, 2020 In this episode Christian talks to entrepreneur and business coach Linda Plant about why she thinks working from home is overrated and unsustainable. Subscribe to The City View Podcast: Apple / Google / Spotify / RSS Linda says that in addition to the economic consequences of ghost-town city centres, the lack of human contact and creative sparks is bad for business. She knows not everyone [...]
Prices fall as retailers ramp up discounting to entice shoppers September 2, 2020 Shop prices fell in August as retailers continued to offer discounts in a bid to entice shoppers back onto high streets. Prices fell 1.6 per cent last month, compared to a drop of 1.3 per cent in July, driven by a decline in non-food prices which were down 3.4 per cent. Retailers have slashed prices [...]
Ann Summers warns landlords over potential CVA September 1, 2020 Lingerie chain Ann Summers has warned landlords that it will launch a restructuring process if the retailer is unable to reach an agreement on rents. The high street retailer said it is mulling a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to switch to turnover-based rents due to changing consumer behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic. The firm benefitted [...]
Central London dry cleaning firms struggle as workers stay at home September 1, 2020 London’s dry cleaning firms could be the next casualty of the coronavirus crisis as workers continue to stay away from city centres, the industry has warned. A sustained drop in the number of office workers and tourists visiting central London could put many dry cleaning businesses at risk of closure. The government has launched a [...]
Debenhams sets bidding deadline for potential buyers September 1, 2020 Struggling department store chain Debenhams has set a deadline for potential buyers to make offers for the company today as it seeks to avoid further closures and job losses. Investment bank Lazard, which is overseeing the sales process, has set a deadline of 5pm this afternoon, Sky News reported. Debenhams recently entered administration for the [...]
Waitrose launches Deliveroo trial as Ocado partnership ends August 28, 2020 Waitrose has launched a partnership with Deliveroo as its deal with online supermarket Ocado comes to an end. The grocer said that more than 500 products will be available to order through Deliveroo as part of an initial 12 week trial. Customers will be able to order from stores in Bracknell and Clifton from Tuesday, [...]
Gap posts surprise jump in sales as online business doubles August 28, 2020 Fashion retailer Gap posted a surprise jump in quarterly sales as its online business almost doubled due to consumers buying comfortable “stay at home” clothes during the coronavirus pandemic. The US firm said same-store sales were up 13 per cent in the second quarter, compared to analysts’ forecast of a 20.97 per cent drop. The [...]
Extinction Rebellion to block London streets in climate change protest August 28, 2020 Climate change activist group Extinction Rebellion will block the streets in London next week as they demand that the government addresses the crisis. Protestors are planning to block roads around parliament on 1 September as they call on MPs to back a climate emergency bill. Demonstrations will also take place in Manchester and Cardiff. “The [...]
A third of customers overpay for mobile phone contracts, watchdog says August 28, 2020 A third of customers are overpaying for mobile phone contracts, with some people paying an extra £400 each year, according to the latest research. One in three customers are still being charged the full price of their contract even after paying off the cost of their handset. According to the research by Which, customers of [...]
