FTSE 100 close: Markets close lower as housebuilders weigh on index June 7, 2023 Strong morning bumps for Primark-owner Associated British Foods and BT were offset by a slump for housebuilders today as the FTSE 100 closed marginally lower. A slump in trading for housebuilders kept movement on London’s flagship index subdued, with the index closing lower. Housebuilders were down after figures from Halifax showed a first annual fall [...]
Primark owner buys up milk records-keeper in near-£50m deal June 6, 2023 Primark-owner ABF has bought National Milk Records, a key part of the milk industry, as it strengthens its agri-food business
FTSE 100 close: Persimmon and Standard Chartered peg losses on London index April 26, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 skidded lower today despite a decent batch of results pumping up banks and house builders. The capital’s premier index lost 0.49 per cent to close at 7,852.63 points, while the domestically-focused mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the health of the UK economy, edged 0.04 per cent lower to [...]
FTSE 100 close: London ends down ahead of Google and Microsoft results as Primark owner slumps April 25, 2023 London’s FTSE 100 was dragged lower today as investors fretted over the state of a batch of big tech results on Wall Street rolling in over the coming days. The capital’s premier index shed 0.27 per cent to drop to 7,891.13 points, while the domestically-focus mid-cap FTSE 250 index, which is more aligned with the [...]
Primark owner claims fast fashion still a draw as cost of living crisis boosts sales April 25, 2023 Primark owner Associated British Foods (ABF) has reported a slight dip in its adjusted operating profit as the retail and grocery giant felt the pain of soaring inflation and a tough economic climate. For the 24 weeks to 4 March, the group’s adjusted operating profit came in three per cent lower at £684m, compared to [...]
Only five UK retailers issued profit warnings in first leg of 2023, but experts warn of challenges April 24, 2023 Only five UK retailers raised concerns about their profits in the first leg of 2023. However, the sector has warned that challenges remain for shops and the high street. According to data by accountancy firm EY, the number of profit warnings issued by retailers fell by 44 per cent in quarter one compared to the [...]
Oxford Street on cusp of something really ‘special’, New West End chief says April 23, 2023 Oxford Street is on the cusp of something “really special” and “exciting”, the chief of the New West End company has said, as store development and a boost in international tourism signals a return to better times for London’s most iconic shopping district. Dee Corsi, who oversees operations for the retail strip which spans from [...]
‘Tragedy’ if John Lewis ownership changes, says ex-boss March 26, 2023 John Lewis changing its ownership model would be “a tragedy”, a former top boss has said. Reports last week suggested the retailer is considering ending its fully staff-owned structure, with the partnership’s chairwoman, Sharon White, exploring plans to sell a minority stake. West Midlands mayor Andy Street, John Lewis managing director until 2016, acknowledged the [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group snaps up Luton mall in £58m deal March 17, 2023 Mike Ashely’s Frasers Group has snapped up The Mall in Luton in a £58m deal as the retail giant expresses its “confidence in the future of the UK high street”. The Mall in Luton spans 900,000 sq. ft of space and is home to more than 150 retailers including Primark, TK Maxx, and H&M. It [...]
Zara owner sees sales soar to £28.8bn as young shoppers shrug off cost of living crisis to splash cash on latest trends March 15, 2023 The owner of high street fashion chain Zara said young shoppers remained to spend cash on the latest trends despite rising inflation and the cost of living crisis. Inditex, which also owns popular brands such as Pull&Bear and Bershka, reported a sales growth of €32.6bn (£28.8bn) up 17.5 per cent from the same period last [...]