Time for Shop Out to Help Out the High Street August 4, 2021 As Coronavirus restrictions are lifting and the highly anticipated ‘freedom day’ has arrived, life may feel like it’s gradually getting back to normal – but for independent retailers, it’s another story entirely. With even the well-known high street stores in disarray, how do we expect the smaller independent businesses on our high streets to power through, [...]
Boris and Carrie Johnson expecting second baby July 31, 2021 Prime minister Boris Johnson and wife Carrie are expecting their second child, months after a miscarriage that left her “heartbroken”. The prime minister’s wife announced the news on Instagram. The arrival is expected around Christmas. Read more: Boris Johnson marries Carrie Symonds in secret wedding The pair welcomed their first child, Wilfred, in April last [...]
Sydney extends lockdown as Covid-19 cases rise July 28, 2021 Sydney is set to remain in lockdown until August, local authorities confirmed today. This announcement comes after a stay-at-home order implemented in late June failed to douse an outbreak of the Delta variant. With over 2,500 infections, this is Sydney’s worst outbreak this year. On Tuesday, New South Wales recorded the highest number of cases [...]
Barbie doll maker warns of higher prices as costs rise July 28, 2021 The toy giant Mattel has warned of higher prices in the lead up to Christmas as the industry looks to soften the blow of rising costs. The comments come after a rise in raw materials and shipping, owing in part to the global pandemic. However, the company still posted better than expected sales figures of [...]
Lorry driver shortage ‘could hit Black Friday and Christmas’ July 27, 2021 A senior executive at one of the UK’s largest logistics companies has warned that supply chains are facing six to 12 months of pressure due to the current shortage of lorry drivers. Ian Keilty, chief operating officer at FTSE firm Wincanton, said that both Black Friday and Christmas shopping could be hampered by the shortfall. [...]
Government proposes to make fake online reviews illegal July 20, 2021 The government has outlined plans to crack down on fake online reviews. Businesses that offer subscriptions would be required to detail exactly what a consumer signs up for. They should also allow them to cancel easily. Consumer champion ”Which?” said the plans should be ”swiftly implemented” ”Which?” director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha, said [...]
Fake reviews could be outlawed in consumer protection overhaul July 20, 2021 Paying for someone to write or host fake reviews online could be made illegal under new plans to ramp up protection for consumers. The government has unveiled proposals to crack down on fake reviews as part of a wider package of measures targeting “consumer catfishers” who use dodgy tactics to dupe online shoppers. It has [...]
Internet bride murdered wealthy British businessman in Ukraine, inquest hears July 19, 2021 An inquest was told today that a wealthy English businessman died in a hit-and-run in Ukraine while celebrating his first wedding anniversary. Barry Pring, 47, suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by a vehicle – possibly a lorry – while waiting for a taxi outside a restaurant in Kiev with his wife, Ganna Ziuzina, [...]
Superdrug profits drop by 80 per cent despite ‘essential retailer’ status July 12, 2021 Superdrug has seen profits plunge nearly 80 per cent during the year despite remaining open as an essential retailer throughout the pandemic. The company said pre-tax profits for 2020 were just £18.8m, compared with £89.4m a year earlier as shoppers shunned the high street. Sales were down 15 per cent to £1.1bn, including a 40 [...]
Brexit no obstacle for Watches of Switzerland as it eyes expansion into Europe July 8, 2021 Europe is firmly on the radar of luxury retailer Watches of Switzerland. Under a new five-year plan, the group aims to enter the European luxury watch market through acquisitions and new boutiques in a shift away from its previous focus on the UK and US. Britain’s biggest retailer of Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer and [...]