UK recession risk grows as new figures suggest economy has flatlined since March December 22, 2023 According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the UK economy contracted by 0.1 per cent in the three months to September
Retail sales growth exceeds expectations on back of Black Friday December 22, 2023 Retail sales grew stronger than expected last month as shoppers snapped up Black Friday bargains and bought Christmas presents, according to official figures. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that retail sales volumes increased by 1.3 per cent in November. It was ahead of the predictions of economists, who had forecast 0.4 per cent [...]
UK retailers report weak December sales, downbeat about January December 21, 2023 British retailers reported a downturn in already weak sales this month as consumers feel the squeeze from high borrowing costs and inflation, and they are gloomier about the start of 2024, a Confederation of British Industry survey showed on Thursday. The CBI’s monthly retail sales balance, a gauge of sales over the year to December, [...]
Nightmare before Christmas? Nearly 4,500 UK retailers are in ‘critical financial distress’ December 21, 2023 Nearly 4,500 UK retailers are in “critical financial distress” during the sector's ‘Golden quarter’ due to weak Christmas sales performances.
Mike Ashley beefs up Frasers with bargain Matchesfashion deal December 20, 2023 Retail tycoon Mike Ashley has bought yet another struggling retail brand, snapping up Matchesfashion in a discounted deal.
Londonmetric mulls takeover of Alton Towers owner could ‘create one of the UK’s largest listed landlords’ December 19, 2023 Logistics landlord Londonmetric is understood to be in talks to buy LXI the owner of Alton Towers and Warwick Castle.
Superdry warns on profit as wet weather takes its toll December 19, 2023 Superdry blamed unseasonable weather for a 13 per cent slump in retail sales year-on-year, as the struggling fashion retailer continues to trade below management expectations. Wholesale earnings were down 41.1 per cent year-on year, which was due to the decision to exit its US wholesale operation. It was also driven by “timing differences and the [...]
Meet the Wonka-backed hot chocolate shop proving a treat in London December 19, 2023 London’s newest “master distiller” of cocoa isn't Wonka, it's Jens Knoops, whose hot chocolate is stirring up a decadent storm.
Frasers Group: I Saw It First faces court battle with Turkish supplier after £1 deal December 18, 2023 I Saw It First, the British fast-fashion company backed by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, is being dragged to court over a legal battle with a Turkish textile firm. Fabulous Textiles has instructed small UK law firm Blackstone Solicitors to file a claim against the online retailer which shot to stardom thanks to collaborations with Love [...]
Rise in living wage spells further misery for retailers, businesses warn December 18, 2023 Hollywood Bowl boss brands pay increase as 'unexpected hit'