Shein’s ‘evasive’ performance triggers fresh fury from campaigners January 9, 2025 Human rights groups have launched fresh attacks on the fast fashion firm Shein after a representative of the firm repeatedly dodged questions from MPs over where it sourced materials for its clothing. During a Business and Trade Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, Shein’s London-based general counsel for EMEA, Yinan Zhu, repeatedly failed to give a direct answer [...]
Hornby: Mike Ashley-advised toy train giant steams ahead after festive boost January 8, 2025 Hornby, the international toy company advised by billionaire Frasers Group founder Mike Ashley, reported a boost in sales thanks to a bumper festive season and first-time customer attraction. The international models and collectables group told markets today it witnessed a seven per cent surge in group sales for the third quarter ended 31 December. Group sales for [...]
Go further to revive the City of London, voters tell Starmer and Reeves January 8, 2025 Keir Starmer’s government must do more to support the City of London after a bruising year in which fresh IPOs have fallen off a cliff and scores of firms have been picked off by private buyers, a survey of voters has suggested. According to the first of a new monthly City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll, more [...]
‘Horrified’: Shein lambasted by MPs as fast fashion firm dodges questions January 7, 2025 Fast fashion retailer Shein was lambasted by MPs and accused of behaviour that “bordered on contempt” today after a representative of the firm repeatedly refused to answer questions over its supply chain practices and upcoming IPO. The Chinese-founded retailer, which is reportedly gearing up to list on the London Stock Exchange this year, has faced [...]
Westfield slashes loss ahead of huge funding boost January 6, 2025 The company behind the Westfield shopping centres in London has recorded its lowest pre-tax loss since 2019 despite its turnover being slashed by over 30 per cent. Westfield Europe, which includes sites in Stratford and Croydon, has reported a pre-tax loss of £25.2m for 2023, according to accounts filed late with Companies House. The latest [...]
Group hits Shein with labour abuse dossier ahead of Select Committee January 6, 2025 Shein has been provided with a dossier of evidence alleging supply chain abuses ahead of its appearance before a Select Committee on Tuesday.
The 25 best things to do in London in 2025, from theatre to films and bonkers events January 6, 2025 Theatre, film, exhibitions, barmy events: here are the best 25 things to do in London in 2025 Another new year and, Dry January aside, there’s plenty to be excited for. Yes, our capital is stepping up to mark a quarter of a century since the millennium bug (feel old yet?) with oodles of brilliant new [...]
H Samuel and Ernest Jones owner cuts loss despite £40m sales hit January 6, 2025 The company behind high street jewellers H Samuel and Ernest Jones significantly cut its loss despite sales falling by almost £40m during its latest financial year. The Birmingham-headquartered business has reported a pre-tax loss of £483,000 for the year to 3 February, 2024, down from the £8.9m loss it posted in its prior 12 months. [...]
Tesco and Sainsbury’s to shed light on Christmas sales performance January 5, 2025 The UK’s biggest supermarket groups will shed light next week on how they fared over the key Christmas period amid pressure on shoppers’ budgets. Tesco and Sainsbury’s will both provide third-quarter updates for investors and analysts, where they will reveal their sales for the weeks running up to Christmas. Both grocers are expected to reveal [...]
Not-so-golden quarter: Retail footfall slumps in another disappointing year January 3, 2025 A dull December marked the end of yet another “disappointing” year for UK retail footfall as fresh data has revealed 2024 was the second year in a row to see a decline. According to recent Sensormatic data by the British Retail Consortium, UK footfall fell by 2.5 per cent year-on-year during the three months to December, [...]