Retail failures on the up amid weak demand January 2, 2013 THE NUMBER of retailers falling into administration rose by six per cent last year as the squeeze on consumer spending and the shift of spending towards the internet saw names such as JJB and Comet disappear from the high street. Figures published yesterday by Deloitte, the accountancy firm, show that 194 retailers fell into administration [...]
John Lewis boasts record sales in the Christmas trading period January 2, 2013 JOHN Lewis yesterday reported bumper sales over the festive period boosted by online orders, which now account for a quarter of the company’s total sales. The department store group reported £684.8m of sales for the five weeks to 29 December, including a record take of £31.7m for the first day of its sales in stores [...]
Never knowingly in line with the rest of the pack January 2, 2013 LAST year we waved goodbye to Comet and JJB Sports as 2012 saw the shutters pulled down on the high-street stalwarts for the last time. Those two – along with Game – didn’t even make it to the crucial Christmas sales period before calling it a day, but as January rolls round again and store managers [...]
Why I tip England to go unbeaten in 2013 January 2, 2013 I MAKE this prediction with slightly tinted glasses, but I really can see England going through the whole of 2013 unbeaten in Test cricket, despite the prospect of back-to-back Ashes series. It would be a fantastic achievement, but it’s one well within their grasp. Aside from Australia, England also face New Zealand home and away, [...]
Best of the Brokers January 2, 2013 DOMINO’S PIZZA Numis upgraded the takeaway pizza business to “buy” from “add” and keeps its target of 625p, believing the company is likely to generate strong growth in 2013. Numis expects to see new developments, such as a gluten free menu and higher ecommerce advertising, greater expansion with new stores in the UK and the [...]
Rapid responses January 2, 2013 Groundhog year [Re: 2013 will prove the power of global events to shape our economic lives, yesterday] Mark Malloch Brown’s concerns about the Asia Pacific in 2013 are essential reading. As he correctly points out, problems in the Eurozone and the continuation of political impasse in the US have been priced into the markets. But [...]
Santa fills stockings with market board game January 1, 2013 THE Capitalist wonders just how many City stockings were stuffed on Christmas morning with copies of financial board game Market Meltdown? The new toy from Clarendon Games challenges players, in their role as traders, to stay afloat as they move round the board in a private jet and generate cash by spin of the roulette [...]
A Fiat engine – but still an Alfa January 1, 2013 ALFA ROMEO is a brand based in sports cars and motor racing heritage. Its Mito has always been a looker since its introduction in 2008 and the new model is no exception. Its styling was inspired by the design of the 8C Competizione supercar, and it still looks fresh and uniquely characterful in a sporty, [...]
FTSE 100 down as US budget deal hopes fade December 21, 2012 The leading share index slipped back this morning – the final full trading day before Christmas – and fell 0.7 per cent in early deals, as a deal on the US budget looked less likely. US Republican lawmakers have rejected party leader John Boehner’s proposal in the fiscal cliff talks, leading to fears that $600bn [...]
Canaries are a big price to continue recent hot streak December 20, 2012 ONLY Premier League leaders Manchester United have taken more points in their last 10 games than Norwich, and the Canaries look over-priced for their trip to West Brom tomorrow. The Baggies’ early form has fizzled out recently and their dull 0-0 draw with an under-strength West Ham on Sunday means they are without a win [...]