Next: Analysts look for potential sales forecast upgrade in upcoming results September 15, 2024 Next could upgrade its forecast for full-year sales next week as the retailer looks to capitalise on new business overseas. The clothing retailer reports its interim results on Thursday amid a backdrop of 28 per cent growth in its share price so far this year. Next reported a 4.4 per cent rise in sales in [...]
Slowdown in industrial activity leads to weakening of Chinese economy September 14, 2024 China’s economy softened in August, extending a slowdown in industrial activity and property prices as Beijing faces pressure to ramp up spending to stimulate demand. Data published by the National Bureau of Statistics on Saturday showed weakening activity across industrial production, retail sales and property this month compared to July. “We should be aware that [...]
Over two-thirds of employees are stressed by work, survey finds September 14, 2024 Work is the third biggest cause of stress for UK employees, after lack of sleep and money worries, according to new research.
Itsu: Return to the office helps boost sales September 13, 2024 The move by companies to encourage their workforce to return to the office helped sales jump at East Asian-inspired eatery chain Itsu during its latest financial year. The London-headquartered company has posted a turnover of £160.7m for 2023, up from the £137.7m it achieved in 2022. Newly-filed accounts with Companies House also show the brand’s [...]
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group buys city hot spot September 13, 2024 Mike Ashley’s retail empire, Frasers Group, has acquired a major shopping centre in Lancaster. St Nicholas Arcade has been snapped up by the Derbyshire-headquartered listed giant in a move which it has described as “further strengthening the group’s commitment to physical retail in the UK”. Frasers Group added that the 160,000 sq ft shopping centre [...]
Revolut founder Storonsky saw ‘up to £230m’ windfall in employee share sale September 12, 2024 Revolut's billionaire founder and chief executive Nik Storonsky reportedly sold up to $300m (£230m) worth of his stake in the fintech during an employee share sale last month.
New Boots UK boss named after Seb James’ departure and aborted IPO September 12, 2024 Anthony Hemmerdinger has been appointed managing director of Boots UK and Ireland only months after the high street pharmacy chain’s US parent company once again shelved plans to sell or list the business. Current managing director Seb James, who has run the company since 2018, will pursue a new role in the healthcare sector. Hemmerdinger [...]
Trainline: FTSE 250 firm hikes guidance as impact of UK rail strikes falls September 12, 2024 The FTSE 250 online retailer raked in just over £3bn in sales in the six months ended August 31, up 14 per cent year-on-year.
John Lewis: ‘Transformation on track’ but chain still in the red September 12, 2024 The John Lewis Partnership has reported an improved set of half-year results and has said it is on target to significantly boost its performance for the full year. The iconic UK name, which also owns Waitrose, said sales topped £5.9bn in the 26 weeks ended 27 July, up by two per cent year on year. [...]
Asos slashes £500m debt pile as refinancing deals revealed September 11, 2024 Asos has announced the successful refinancing of the majority of its £500m debt due in 2026, with only just over £70m outstanding. The online fast-fashion retailer, which has struggled with post-pandemic shopping trends, had £500m in convertible bonds due 2026. The London-headquartered company has now exchanged £253m into convertible bonds due in 2028 rather than [...]