CBI Distributive Trades Survey: The run-up to Christmas has been less than merry for disappointed retailers December 21, 2015 Sales growth in the run-up to Christmas has been below retailers' expectations, new figures have shown – despite being above average for the time of years. The Confederation of British Industry's (CBI) Distributive Trades Survey showed 43 per cent of retailers said sales volumes in December were up on the same period last year, against [...]
Last minute Christmas shopping could lead to £1.3bn being spent on UK high streets, and that’s not the end of it: get ready for the Boxing Day and New Year sales December 21, 2015 If you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, you're not alone. Britons will spend £1.3bn on 23 December alone, which is set to be the busiest day on the high street. Expect crowds. Shoppers will make 37 million in-store transactions on Wednesday, up 10 per cent from 2014, and total spending is predicted to rise by three [...]
Fiery festive infernos and attacking mistletoe berries: Here are six ways Christmas is trying to kill you December 21, 2015 A dystopian future is about to be upon us, in which trees spontaneously burst into flames, man-made machines run out of control and, trapped in small spaces and driven mad by cabin fever, humans turn against one another. This is not a drill. Christmas is almost here. Are you prepared for the health and health [...]
Want Christmas to last all year? You could buy a house on Holly Street for £194,465 December 21, 2015 If you want your Christmas spirit to last all year, try investing in a property on Christmas Lane or Holly Street – they'll be more affordable, and closer to the shops than the North Pole. Fewer pesky reindeer grazing outside, too. Data from Knight Frank has revealed the most popular festive street names include Holly, while the most [...]
Countdown to Christmas: Ways the world changed in 2015, from the refugee crisis and climate change deal to time travel and New Horizons trip to Pluto December 21, 2015 It’s been a tumultuous year, that’s for sure. From the Charlie Hebdo attacks that shocked Paris and the world in January to the historic climate change deal signed not two weeks ago, the world is many ways a different place today than it was a year ago. Although there are still some weeks to go [...]
FTSE 100 set to close out 2015 around 6,000 – London Report December 21, 2015 THE FED “feel good factor” and the Santa rally that historically has resulted in 80 per cent of December trading sessions closing positive have not been enough to sustain positive numbers for the FTSE. On Friday the FTSE 100 closed down 50 points at 6052, bringing to an end the brief surge following the Federal Reserve [...]
UK footfall slumps on Panic Saturday as online retailing wins over high street December 21, 2015 Footfall slumped across high streets and shopping centres this weekend as consumers took advantage of retailers offering even later deadlines for Christmas deliveries to shop online rather than venturing out in stores. The traditional stampede of customers on so-called Panic Saturday failed to materialise to the same extent as last year, with footfall down by [...]
Dear readers: it’s time to hear all about your Christmas excesses December 21, 2015 Bankers are having their biggest year on record for global mergers and acquisitions, but instead of celebrating in the usual fashion with an over-the-top staff Christmas party, some are avoiding going out altogether so as not to draw attention to themselves. Earlier this month we reported that the Square Mile’s marketers were letting loose. While [...]
Shoppers feel flush in the run up to Christmas December 21, 2015 Consumer confidence has been growing in the run up to Christmas according to the latest survey from Lloyds Bank. The report shows the overall spending power index rose by three points in November, standing at 161. However, economic data from the bank shows year-on-year spending on essentials fell for the twelfth consecutive month in November, [...]
Netflix corporation tax bill was zero last year despite millons of customers, report claims December 20, 2015 Netflix is the latest company to face scrutiny over its tax arrangements as it was revealed that it paid no corporation tax in the UK last year, reports claim. It's estimated the TV and film subscription service known for Emmy award winning shows House of Cards and Orange is the New Black, made £200m in revenues from its [...]