Bloomsbury: Fiction sales boost Harry Potter publisher March 20, 2025 Harry Potter publisher Bloomsbury said its sales last year were ahead of market expectations and driven by success in its consumer division. Analysts had expected the firm to report a revenue drop of two per cent to £333.4m, as well as a twenty per cent drop in profit before tax of £39.6m in the year ending February [...]
Labour MPs warned ‘perfect storm’ of retail costs could benefit Reform UK March 19, 2025 Labour MPs are being warned a “perfect storm” of costs facing the retail sector could see seats lost to Reform UK. New analysis from the Retail Jobs Alliance (RJA) has revealed Labour holds 24 of the UK’s 30 constituencies with the highest numbers of voters working in retail, according to an Electoral Calculus survey in [...]
Retail stocks: Luxury pulls ahead while fast-fashion brands Asos and Primark lag February 20, 2025 Luxury stocks have started to outperform high streets brands once again as investors bet on a luxury upswing. Brands which struggled last year – like Burberry and Kering – are bouncing back, while brick-and-mortar reliant firms like Primark are struggling. The ten largest luxury retailers by market cap have seen their stock price rise by [...]
Mad About The Boy: Bridget Jones review – perfectly timed with hun culture February 12, 2025 Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy review: the return of the UK’s favourite singleton couldn’t have hit the cultural zeitgeist better. In a new era of feminism, Bridget finally should be embraced by us all, whether we relate to her or not, says Adam Bloodworth ★★★★ Ah, Bridget Jones and her absolutely enormous panties! The [...]
City broker slashes price target for Primark-owner Associated British Foods January 24, 2025 Analysts at Panmure Liberum downgraded their rating for Primark-owner Associated British Foods from ‘Buy’ to ‘Hold’ after Primark underperformed over the festive quarter. Panmure downgraded its target price for ABF to 1900p from 2800p. Its share price currently sits at 1,892.50p after falling five per cent in the last five days. Associated British Foods reduced [...]
Weak UK sales pull Primark down despite international growth January 23, 2025 Lower sales in the UK and Ireland pulled Primark’s performance down in the last quarter of 2024 despite double-digit growth in countries like Spain, Portugal and the US. Primark’s parent company ABF Foods told markets this morning that sales in the UK and Ireland, which account for approximately 45 per cent of its market, declined [...]
What is driving the FTSE 100 surge? January 17, 2025 The FTSE 100 has hit a new all-time high today, with the index within touching distance of 8,500 for the first time. Since the start of the week, London’s main index has grown almost three per cent, outperforming the Nasdaq, the S&P 500, and the Dow Jones. The strong performance from the FTSE 100 came [...]
The Best January 2025 Sales Offers January 15, 2025 The renowned January sales are in full swing, tempting shoppers with incredible deals at every turn together with those looking for experiences at London’s iconic attractions. Immerse yourself in the magic of London and take advantage of the numerous deals on now. From designer boutiques to high-street favourites, the discounts are irresistible. While you’re indulging [...]
Landsec buys Liverpool One shopping centre for £490m December 17, 2024 Property giant Landsec has bought a controlling stake of 92 per cent in Liverpool’s biggest shopping destination, Liverpool One, as it looks to build its retail portfolio. It bought the stakes of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia), which owned 69 per cent, and Grosvenor, which owned 23 per cent, for £490m. The deal has [...]
Currys could reveal Black Friday boost or Budget hit in interim results December 7, 2024 Electronics retailer Currys will reveal how much impact the recent Budget is likely to have on its sales next week. Investors will hope the chain has carried on a recent financial recovery into the autumn when it announces its interim results on 12 December. The company is expected to post a profit of £137m for [...]