Wine experts at Marks & Spencer have predicted what you’ll be drinking in 2017 January 13, 2017 In 2016, we had the rise of English bubbly, craft beer and gin. Now, wine experts at Marks & Spencer have uncorked their top predictions for the year ahead. 1. First of all, we'll be drinking less Dry January got us all talking about the growing number of high-quality low or zero alcohol drinks, and [...]
Countrywide says slowdown in sales volumes will continue next year January 13, 2017 Countrywide's share price climbed three per cent in morning trading despite a drop in the estate agency group's income in the fourth quarter. The figures In a trading update for its performance in 2016, Countrywide said its revenue edged up to £737m from £734m the year before, but that the estate agency's income fell slightly in the [...]
And you thought 2016 was bad – Freddos are soon going to cost 30p January 13, 2017 As if we didn't have enough to deal with this Friday 13th, with Snowmageddon raging on (we're told), now Cadbury's owner Mondelez has delivered a shocking blow. The price of a Freddo bar will rise to 30p later this year. Yes, that's 30 British pennies. The recommended retail price for the beloved chocolate frogs will [...]
Not hampered: Fortnum & Mason posts record Christmas results January 13, 2017 Fortnum & Mason enjoyed a record festive period, as customers flocked to high-end Christmas gifts, including the retailer’s signature hampers. The figures Like-for-like sales up to 1 January increased by 16 per cent on the previous year, driven by a 22 per cent increase in online sales for the year. Indeed, Fortnum’s online trading contributed [...]
Why banks could actually prove a less stressful part of your portfolio January 13, 2017 Market consensus tells us the banking sector remains a risky place for investors to put their money. After all, the prevailing wisdom runs, banks are cyclical, poorly capitalised and in lousy shape for the next downturn, as and when it comes. Of course, as contrarian investors, we believe market consensus and prevailing wisdom primarily exist [...]
Shares in Hilton Food Group increased nearly 6 per cent after trading performed ahead of expectations January 12, 2017 Hilton Food Group's shares jumped up today after the international meat packer said its results would surpass expectations. Shares in the UK's leading meat packing business increased 5.93 per cent to 670p in afternoon trading after it released an update ahead of its full-year results, which will be released 30 March. The group outperformed expectations as it grew in [...]
Londis and Budgens owner Booker Group beats expectations with its sales January 12, 2017 Wholesaler Booker Group's share price rose in trading today after the company reported a rise in sales. In the four months to 30 December, Booker Group's non-tobacco like-for-like sales increased 5.1 per cent, far ahead of analysts' expectations of between zero per cent and 0.5 per cent. Total non tobacco sales increased 4.8 per cent. [...]
Moss Bros focuses on online sales and improving margins January 12, 2017 Menswear retailer Moss Bros scored a healthy sales growth in the second half of 2016 as it focussed on improving its margins and its online offering. In the 23 weeks from 31 July to 7 January, Moss Bros' like-for-like sales grew 6.1 per cent on the year before, with online sales jumping 24.9 per cent. [...]
These analysts are not impressed by M&S’ trading update January 12, 2017 And it looked like things were going so well. Marks and Spencer started off the trading session on a high, jumping five per cent at the open when the retailer beat expectations with its like-for-like clothing sales. But M&S lost its shine as the day wore on, and its share price is now up just 0.8 per cent [...]
Winners and losers from retail’s “Super Thursday” January 12, 2017 So many retailers decided to update the market on trading today that Shore Capital analysts published a note to complain about it. But as the morning has progressed, clear winners and losers have emerged from the data deluge. Here are our picks: Winners JD Sports put its gymwear rival Sports Direct to shame today as it scored [...]