BEST of the BROKERS April 3, 2012 KCOM JP Morgan has upgraded the communications firm to “overweight” from “neutral” with an 80p target, arguing that its recent share performance is unwarranted. JP Morgan points to the firms’ “attractive returns” and “solid operations”. SHIRE PHARMA UBS reiterates its “buy” rating on the biopharmaceutical firm, with a target price of 2,250p. The bad news [...]
Vive la revolution in online shopping March 29, 2012 It wasn’t long ago that people winced at the thought of ordering a book online, let alone something as complex and personal as a suit. But a new crop of retailers have perfected the formula and online shopping for high-end menswear is amongst the fastest growing areas in the retail sector. The internet now accounts [...]
BEST OF THE BROKERS February 7, 2012 HALFORDS Panmure Gordon has upgraded the car and bicycle parts retailer from “hold” to “buy” and raised its target price to 375p from 300p, despite downgrading its pre-tax profit forecasts by eight and 10 per cent respectively for the next two years. The upgrade is made on the basis that the broker expects Halfords to [...]
ASOS BOUNCES BACK AS IT POSTS STRONG DECEMBER TAKINGS January 19, 2012 ASOS, the online fashion retailer, kicked the retail gloom to report a 46 per cent rise in sales in the third quarter boosted by rapid growth overseas and a solid performance in its domestic market. UK sales growth bounced back to 10 per cent in the second quarter from one per cent in the previous [...]
HOW TO WEAR IT: THE BURNS NIGHT KILT January 18, 2012 Whatever you think of Scottish independence, the traditions of our Northern neighbours occupy an exalted position the UK over. But when it comes to the ultimate piece of Scottish fashion – and statement of manhood – many a non-clansman feels confused. With Burns Night on its way (25 January), we asked a few Scots what [...]
Look dazzling for your Xmas bash December 8, 2011 MOST of us get ready for festive bashes in the loos at work – after a crazy day. We certainly don’t have time to spare primping for mid-week dos. The key is having the outfit ready to go, but even more importantly, having the right makeup for instant glamour and shine. At the end of [...]
MUST HAVES December 1, 2011 CRAB HAT FROM PLAY.COM, £13 Stay warm at Christmas with this knitted crab hat. Cosy and cool. FANTASTIC 4 OMNIBUS, £70 This 1,084-page beast will fill you in on the classic era of the Marvel heroes. APPLE IPAD ANDY WARHOL CASE, 13” SLEEVE, £49.99 One of the Apple Store’s more hipster-friendly products. store.apple.com/uk BURTON CLASH [...]
M&S France launch sees Bostock quizzed November 24, 2011 MARKS & Spencer took its wares back to France after a decade’s absence from its soil yesterday, claiming that Parisians were yearning for its gourmet chutney and sensible knickers. The return to France is part of a new international strategy aimed at a handful of countries. Goods will be priced around 10 per cent higher [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING November 23, 2011 FINANCIAL TIMES BOSTOCK IN TALKS TO QUIT M&S FOR ASOS Kate Bostock, the head of Marks and Spencer’s clothing and homewares business, is in advanced talks to take up a senior role at Asos. People familiar with the situation said Bostock was talking to the online fashion retailer about becoming its managing director. Losing Bostock, [...]
MENSCH HITS THE HIGH STREET TO PRESENT AT HOT WOMEN CEREMONY November 23, 2011 WAS Miriam González Durántez too busy preparing for her move to US law firm Dechert to attend the Red’s Hot Women Awards yesterday? No – the wife of the deputy Prime Minister had an appointment with her children’s nursery that couldn’t be moved. And since these are the awards that celebrate the achievements of working [...]