All City & finance articles – Page 484
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NewsLacklustre sales fail to dent general stores
General stores rose over the week versus the All-share index, even edging up on Tuesday when the latest BRC sales data showed a lacklustre performance.
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OpinionPrivate equity is shopping for retail deals
So far this year there have been 11 private equity-backed retail deals, representing more than 10% of all private equity transactions in 2010 and the third biggest sector focus after computer services and support services.
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NewsHomeform chief sets out his three-year plan
Kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms specialist Homeform’s new chief executive has laid out a three-year plan to increase profits and enable an exit for owner Sun European Partners.
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OpinionTimes have changed, so must we
Rising costs and our failing ability to pay them means retail must change, says Neil Gillis
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NewsM&S urges caution despite increase in sales
Marks & Spencer beat second-quarter sales expectations but chief executive Marc Bolland remained cautious about prospects. Despite Bolland’s wariness, and a rise in costs such as marketing, analysts upgraded their forecasts ahead of a strategic update next month.
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NewsTed Baker profits boosted as customers smarten up
Strong sales of formalwear at Ted Baker helped to drive a 25% increase in first-half profits as customers looked for smarter product during the downturn.
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NewsN Brown on the acquisition trail after strong start to year
Home Shopping group N Brown is eyeing further acquisitions to drive growth as it revealed a strong first half.
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NewsProfits up, sales down at WH Smith
WH Smith has announced a 9% increase in full-year profits this morning.
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NewsKesa shares soar on Best Buy bid speculation
Speculation that a takeover of Anglo-French electrical group Kesa may be on the cards has prompted the retailer’s share price to soar.
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NewsN Brown first half profits up 5.5%
Home shopping retailer N Brown has revealed that its adjusted pre tax profit grew 5.5% to £44.1m in the six months to August 28.
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NewsWickes like-for-likes rise 0.6% in third quarter
DIY chain Wickes like-for-likes grew 0.6% in the 13 weeks to October 2.
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OpinionSir Terry Leahy points the way to a steady retail recovery
While some may harbour doubts about the retail recovery, they don’t seem to be haunting Sir Terry Leahy.
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NewsTheo Fennell tipped for return to profitability
Luxury jeweller Theo Fennell is being tipped to return to profitability thanks to a programme of investment in its stores and website and the introduction of an entry-level range.
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AnalysisIf consumer confidence is down, why are sales rising?
Consumer confidence has fallen yet again and many expect the decline to continue - so why are sales growing, with shoppers seemingly defying their mood?
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NewsDunelm outperforms in first quarter despite tough comps
Value homewares retailer Dunelm has revealed a better than expected first quarter after posting positive sales growth against tough comparables.
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NewsStores vie for Halloween bonanza but growth ‘unlikely to continue’
Retailers expect this year’s Halloween to deliver bumper sales, with the event set to be the third biggest for retail after Christmas and Easter.
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NewsMothercare expecting better results
Maternity and baby retailer Mothercare is expected to show improved trading next week when it updates the market on its second quarter.
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NewsBlockbuster UK profits up despite bankrupt parent
Blockbuster UK has reported its pre-tax profits lifted from £3m to £4.6m in the year to January 3, but the retailer still awaits the fate of its US parent Blockbuster Inc.
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NewsTreats are back, say Tesco and Sainsbury’s
As Tesco and Sainsbury’s report favourable results, there is evidence consumers are trading up again
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NewsAsia and Fresh & Easy give Tesco a little help
Food retail stocks lagged both their general retail peers and the market as a whole again despite a robust set of half-year results from Tesco.