All articles by George MacDonald – Page 237
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NewsSuperdrug hiring of Steve Jebson fuels ‘son of Woolies’ doubts
Former Woolworths commercial director Steve Jebson has been appointed to the same role at Superdrug, the health and beauty giant owned by AS Watson.
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NewsSainsbury’s and Tesco updates cause a stir
Big grocers took the spotlight this week as Sainsbury’s and Tesco issued first-quarter updates. And what the pair had to say has implications for the entire retail sector.
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OpinionDSGi begins to show spark
Electricals rivals Kesa and DSGi both post full-year results next week. There hasn’t been much spark in either lately. But as Best Buy limbers up to take on the European incumbents next year, there are signs that the pair are getting into shape.
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NewsDeals struck on 210 Birthdays stores but 800 jobs to go
Birthdays’ administrator Zolfo Cooper has accepted two offers for a total of 210 stores. The deals safeguard 1350 jobs but 800 will go as the remaining 132 shops will shut.
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NewsRetail sales slip in May
Retail sales volume fell 0.6 per cent month on month in May and was down 1.6 per cent year on year, ONS data showed. Sales by value were down 1.1 per cent compared with May 2008.
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NewsTesco bond sale raises £430m
Grocery group Tesco has raised £430m through the sale of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).
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NewsSainsbury’s raises £445m to fund growth
Sainsbury’s is to raise £445m to fund an accelerated growth drive and deliver an extra 2.5 million sq ft of trading space by March 2011.
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NewsMarks & Spencer launches ad campaign to bolster ethical image
Marks & Spencer has launched a marketing campaign tunder the banner “Doing the right thing” and designed to emphasise its corporate social responsibility credentials.
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NewsDavid Ross raises £38m from Carphone Warehouse share sale
Former Carphone Warehouse director David Ross, who stood down as deputy chairman last December, has sold 24 million shares in the retailer – about 15 per cent of his stake.
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NewsWoolworths dispute taken to High Court
Woolworths’ administrator Deloitte and BBC Worldwide are expected to face each other in court today over the value of the latter’s joint venture with the defunct variety store group.
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NewsStefano Pessina defends Andy Hornby hiring as key to Alliance Boots progress
Stefano Pessina has said that Alliance Boots’ 115,000 staff should not be concerned at the appointment of Andy Hornby as group chief executive, despite his association with the HBoS shipwreck.
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OpinionTesco still a dab hand
After Morrisons’ first-quarter update last week, Tesco and Sainsbury’s post their numbers on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively and they should make for compelling reading.
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AnalysisNew Wal-Mart chief Mike Duke: ‘This is our time’
Changing consumer habits create opportunities, new Wal-Mart chief Mike Duke believes – but the retailer can’t afford to be complacent. George MacDonald reports from the US
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NewsSales dip but second half stability beckons
Although BRC sales data for May revealed a 0.8 per cent dip in like-for-likes, brokers took comfort in the fact that the fall was not worse and at the prospect of easier comparisons later in the year.
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NewsWal-Mart designates Asda international centre of marketing excellence
Wal-Mart has designated Asda its international centre of marketing excellence. The UK retailer will act as a global marketing academy for Wal-Mart under the leadership of Rick Bendel.
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NewsArcandor files for bankruptcy protection
German retail group Arcandor has filed for bankruptcy protection after yesterday’s decision by the German government not to provide rescue funds. An administrator is expected to be appointed today.
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OpinionThe mountain facing Blacks
Blacks Leisure chief executive Neil Gillis, like his customers, has a mountain to climb.
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AnalysisScott Wheway is embracing the challenge at Best Buy
The former Boots man has taken his time to find the right role but is relishing the challenge of Best Buy. George MacDonald reports.
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NewsConsumer confidence 'held steady' in May
Consumer confidence was stable in May but remains fragile.
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NewsHalfords names Dennis Millard chairman
Motor accessories and bikes giant Halfords has appointed Dennis Millard as chairman, replacing Richard Pym.