Halloween 2015 could be worth as much as £400m to retailers October 29, 2015 We're used to grinches complaining Halloween is an American import they wish would go away, but it looks like Halloween in all its (fake)blood-soaked sugary glory is here to stay, bringing a welcome boost to retailers. Sainsbury's says Halloween is now the third biggest retail event of the year, after Christmas and Easter. Last year Planet [...]
Equities remain the best-selling asset for fifth month in a row, finds the Investment Association October 29, 2015 Equities remained the best-selling asset type for the fifth month in a row, with net retail sales of £1.1bn in September 2015, figures from the Investment Association revealed today. The September sales results for equities are up from August, when net retail sales for equities were £526m, significantly down from net retail sales in July [...]
CBI’s monthly distributive trades survey: Retail sales growth slows after a strong September October 29, 2015 Shoppers stayed away from the high street this month in what could be a "little bit of a breather" before the festive period gets into full swing. The CBI’s monthly distributive trades survey showed 38 per cent reported sales volumes rose on a year ago, while 20 per cent said they were down. The gap of [...]
Best of the Brokers for 29 October 2015 October 29, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com MOTHERCARE Cantor Fitzgerald maintained its “sell” rating on the retailer, and cut its sales and earnings forecasts for 2016 and 2017. The broker said investors may be rattled by the lack of UK profit progress as it is “mainly coming via closed [...]
Pound and euro plunge along with US markets as the Federal Reserve leaves US interest rates unchanged October 28, 2015 The Federal Open Market Committee has held steady and left interest rates in the US unchanged after its two day meeting. US markets have taken a dive as a result, losing the gains from this morning. The S&P 500 was down from highs of 2,083 to 2,065. The Nasdaq dropped from 5,074 to 5,027 and the Dow Jones [...]
Alteri takes step forward with Jones Bootmaker acquisition October 28, 2015 A Mayfair-based investment firm set up last year to invest in challenged retailers has bought UK footwear chains Jones Bootmaker and Brantano. Alteri Partners, which is backed by US-based private equity giant Apollo Global Management, said it has agreed to buy the two companies for an undisclosed sum from Dutch retail conglomerate Macintosh. The deal [...]
Black Friday 2015: What UK retailers need to do to make the most of the retail bonanza on 27 November October 28, 2015 Last year, shoppers in the UK spent a staggering £810m during Black Friday and this year is set to break all previous records. For the first time ever, consumer spending across the nation is forecast to top £1bn in one day, representing an enormous opportunity for UK retailers. The impact of Black Friday for retailers [...]
Next ups full year profit guidance after strong third quarter as it pays out 60 pence per share dividend October 28, 2015 High street retailer Next has raised its guidance for full year profit after another strong quarter. The figures Next's retail arm grew sales 5.9 per cent in the 13 weeks to 28 October, while its directory division grew by 6.2 per cent, giving the group as a whole a six per cent increase in sales. [...]
Carpetright turnaround pays off as retailer rolls out higher sales October 27, 2015 Carpetright has posted a healthy rise in half-year sales as efforts to spruce up its stores to win over more customers via its website paid off. The floorings and beds specialist, said like-for-like sales rose by four per cent in the 25 weeks to 24 October, with total sales up 2.5 per cent. Five stores [...]
Shoe Zone shares jump despite store closures putting dent in sales October 27, 2015 Shoe Zone shares have risen 5.6 per cent today after the discount footwear chain said it was on track to meet full-year profits, despite a drop in sales. The family-owned chain, which floated on Aim last year, struggled in the autumn of last year after the unusually warm weather hurt demand for winter footwear and [...]