Retail magnate Mike Ashley prepares to give evidence about high street struggles to MPs November 26, 2018 Retail tycoon Mike Ashley is to give evidence about the woes facing the high street in front of a parliamentary committee next week after demanding an audience with MPs. Sports Direct confirmed today that the billionaire businessman is to face Westminster’s Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee for an hour-long session next Monday. The announcement [...]
Ashley hits out at politicians and landlords ahead of committee hearing November 22, 2018 Mike Ashley today lashed out at politicians for failing Britain’s beleaguered high streets, as he demanded an audience with MPs in Westminster next month. The retail billionaire and Newcastle United owner, who has recently acquired House of Fraser and Evans Cycles, called on both politicians and landlords to do more to help struggling retail outlets. [...]
Evans Cycles set for closures in spite of ‘profit’ November 18, 2018 Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley is set to close a swathe of Evans Cycles stores in spite of recent suggestions that most of its outlets turn a profit. The retail magnate has warned that he might only be able to keep half of Evans Cycles stores open in the future “in order to save the [...]
Sports Direct confirms closures of four more House of Fraser stores around the UK November 14, 2018 Four more House of Fraser branches are set to close under new owner Sports Direct as negotiations with a landlord broke down. House of Fraser said today that its Intu-owned sites in Norwich and Nottingham, as well as shopping centre stores in Lakeside in Essex and Metrocentre in Gateshead, will close in early 2019. The [...]
Homebase named the UK’s worst retail website in rescue deal aftermath November 13, 2018 DIY retailer Homebase has been named the UK's worst online shopping website, alongside a plethora of other familiar names in a survey conducted by independent consumer body Which?. Homebase received a rating of 55 per cent as part of a survey with over 10,000 consumers evaluating their experiences online. Customers said they found the site [...]
Game Digital narrows losses as it chases high margins with e-sports venture November 8, 2018 Game Digital narrowed its losses but still saw sales fall in its full year results published today. The figures Revenue came in flat ar £782.3m in the year to the end of July, while the video game retailer made a loss before tax of £7.4m, 26 per cent better than 2017's £10m, as the retailer bumped up cash [...]
Halfords profits fall 23 per cent but sales rise in challenging environment November 8, 2018 Halfords profits dropped 23 per cent in the first half of the year as it launched a new strategy but sales rose amid a "challenging" environment. The figures Halfords reported a pre-tax profit of £28.2m for the six months to 28 September – a 23 per cent drop on the same period in 2017. Excluding [...]
No bumps in the road expected for Halfords despite retail gloom November 4, 2018 Bicycle and car maintenance retailer Halfords is expected to report that business is running as usual in its half-year results next week, despite many other retail stores being negatively affected by this year's unusually long hot weather. The retailer is expected to remain on track for its full-year profit guidance, which will be broadly in line [...]
What next for Lewis Hamilton? Michael Schumacher’s record is in range for better-than-ever Brit October 31, 2018 What is there left for a man who has accomplished it all? After becoming the joint-second most successful Formula One driver ever, Lewis Hamilton has etched his name in the history books alongside some of the sport’s all-time greats. There is only one milestone left for the 33-year-old to strive for following his fifth world [...]
Sports Direct buys Evans Cycles, but Mike Ashley to close 30 stores October 30, 2018 Evans Cycles has been sold to Sports Direct as part of a pre-pack administration. Around half of the cycling shop's 60 stores will be forced to close, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley said as he announced the deal. Ashley commented: "We are pleased to have rescued the Evans Cycles brand. However, in order to save the [...]