A new challenge for Browett January 31, 2012 WE learnt yesterday that Apple had poached John Browett, former chief executive of Dixons, to head their worldwide retail operations. A look at YouGov’s BrandIndex, which tracks public perception of brands, suggests that this could be a good move for both Apple and Browett. Apple have secured themselves a man who kept Dixons as the [...]
Populist politicians are not markets’ saviours January 19, 2012 WE WILL know we have progressed to a higher level of civilisation when a politician praises a course of action that does not give him more power. On that measure, David Cameron remains as vulgar as the rest of his colleagues. He said yesterday, “many people are questioning not just how and when we will [...]
Wetherspoon profit margin slimming January 18, 2012 Pubs firm JD Wetherspoon said its operating margin declined in the second quarter of its fiscal year and will come under further pressure in the second half due to continuing cost increases. “We expect the operating margin for the half year ending 22 January 2012 to be slightly below that achieved in the first quarter [...]
Dixons fights on despite decline in Christmas takings January 17, 2012 DIXONS RETAIL, Europe’s second largest electronics retailer, reported a decline in sales over the Christmas period, though it managed to improve its margins in spite of widespread discounting on the high street. The owner of Currys and PC World said sales at stores open more than a year fell by five per cent in the [...]
Dixons sales fall gathers pace January 17, 2012 Dixons Retail said sales declines accelerated over the key Christmas period, though the firm maintained gross margins and claimed it outperformed competitors in Britain. The electricals chain, home to Currys and PC World in Britain, said group sales at stores open over a year fell five per cent in the 12 weeks to 7 January. [...]
The get fit quick scheme January 9, 2012 People rarely have a clean break with their good intentions. They disappear gradually, a death by 1000 cuts. “I’m too tired to make lunch for work tomorrow.” “It’s too cold to walk to the gym.” “I don’t have time for a run today.” Self-styled “body genius” and personal trainer to the stars (well, Katie Price [...]
Investec bags Evo in time for Christmas December 22, 2011 INVESTEC formally closed its deal to buy British investment bank Evolution Group yesterday, following its final decision on lay-offs across both companies. Investec won its bid battle in August when it settled on a price of £233m all in shares, a premium of 28 per cent on Evolution’s share price the day before it disclosed [...]
Goldman is gloomy about the European economy but thinks oil is on the up December 1, 2011 GOLDMAN Sachs reckons a bet against European high-yield corporate debt is the most promising trade for 2012, according to a research note out yesterday. The banking giant said if Europe sinks into recession, as it expects, then high-yield firms will come under “considerable pressure”. Goldman is also gloomy about German bunds, telling traders to bet [...]
Dixons Retail narrows its full-year loss November 24, 2011 DIXONS Retail posted a better-than-expected half year loss after Europe’s second largest electrical goods retailer won market share from its rivals, helping to limit the impact of weak consumer spending. The company, which is home to the Currys and PC World chains in Britain, said it made a loss before tax of £25.3m in the [...]
Dixons losses increase November 24, 2011 Dixons posted a wider first-half loss as cash-strapped shoppers cut back on purchases of discretionary goods, but said it was taking market share from rivals faring even worse. The group, home to the Currys and PC World chains in Britain, said it made a loss before tax and one-off items of £25.3m in the 24 [...]