All articles by George MacDonald – Page 229
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AnalysisChristmas spending
Retail’s traditional golden quarter is under way and store chiefs’ attention is pretty much devoted to achieving Christmas sales success. But will shoppers spend?
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NewsMarks & Spencer and Next chiefs see market stabilising
Marks & Spencer executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose intends to trade the business at full price through the Christmas period on the back of improved consumer confidence.
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NewsAlmost 2,000 jobs to go as 373 First Quench stores close
The administrators of Threshers owner First Quench Retailing are to shut 373 stores, resulting in 1,738 redundancies.
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NewsHopes of recovery rise as Bank holds interest rates and injects £25bn into economy
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 0.5% for the eight month in a row and inject an extra £25bn into the economy in an attempt to stimulate recovery.
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NewsTM Lewin reports record profits
Men’s and womenswear retailer TM Lewin reported it has defied the downturn to deliver record profits and that the new financial year has started strongly.
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NewsBodycare backs down on poppy ban
Toiletries and beauty specialist Bodycare has ended a ban on staff wearing poppies after its policy prompted a storm of protest and intervention by an MP.
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NewsRetailers to benefit as credit insurer Atradius increases cover
Atradius, one of the leading credit insurance firms, is to increase cover to UK companies.
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NewsM&S posts flat first-half profits
Marks & Spencer reported a “good start” to its third quarter but is “cautious” about Christmas prospects after posting flat interim profits.
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NewsMarks & Spencer gives green light to branded food range
Marks & Spencer is to roll out its branded grocery offer to most of its shops after the success of a trial in 54 stores in the North East and South East of England.
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NewsM&S targets Waitrose in advertising first
Marks & Spencer has launched a price comparison advertising campaign targeting Waitrose’s Essentials range, the first time the retailer has adopted the tactic against its close competitor.
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NewsM&S to repeat Penny Bazaar promotion for Christmas
Marks & Spencer is to open in-store penny bazaars later this month selling Christmas stocking-fillers as well as goods such as mugs and knickers for 1p.
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NewsConsumer confidence rises in October
Consumer confidence improved again in October, when sentiment reached its highest level since January 2008.
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NewsPostal strike to drive shoppers from web
Half of shoppers intend to shop less online or by mail order if post strikes continue in the run-up to Christmas.
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NewsWeak retail sales data hits non-food shares
Uncertainty about prospects was sparked by cautious comments from Arcadia tycoon Sir Philip Green as he unveiled full-year results, even though the CBI’s monthly retail survey was better than expected.
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AnalysisKeeping up with the new consumer
The recession has transformed shopper attitudes to value, a PwC study has found. George MacDonald examines how mid-market retailers can adapt.
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OpinionIs Matalan really worth £1.5bn?
Would you buy a business from John Hargreaves? For the sake of clarity, that’s as much a compliment to him as it is a caution to others.
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NewsMorrisons to sponsor Disney’s A Christmas Carol premiere
Grocer Morrisons is to sponsor the world premiere of Disney’s A Christmas Carol, expected to be a festive season movie blockbuster.
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NewsFoyles joins battle for e-book market share
Bookseller Foyles has launched an e-book store as the battle for share of the digital books market hots up.
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NewsInvestors buy into £100m JJB Sports fundraising
JJB Sports has reported that its £100m fundraising has been successful, putting the embattled business on a firmer financial footing.
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NewsBlacks focuses on restructuring as losses mount
Outdoors specialist Blacks Leisure has suffered a steep decline in first-half profits but said it is making progress with restructuring, details of which are being finalised.