All articles by George MacDonald – Page 238
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NewsLosses spiral as Blacks battles to recover
Outdoor pursuits specialist Blacks Leisure has acknowledged there is “material uncertainty” about its future but insisted progress is being made in turning the business around.
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NewsHamleys axes chiefs in cost-cutting drive
Iconic toy retailer Hamleys has parted company with two senior directors as part of a restructure of its head office, which could also result in a third of staff being axed.
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Green shoots shrivel as rally grinds to halt
Green shoots shrivelled as, for the third week running, general retailers were in reverse. The sector’s amazing rally over the past few months has shuddered to a halt as a result of profit taking by investors, some nasty shocks and a still uncertain outlook.
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AnalysisStephen Marks has what it takes for French Connection
French Connection has had a tough time recently, but Stephen Marks has the drive to move the business on again, says George MacDonald
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OpinionClinton has its cards marked
Clinton Cards’ £46.4m acquisition of rival Birthdays in 2004 was one of the least surprising deals ever.
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NewsChapter 11 provisions take shine off Ahold’s US performance
International grocery group Ahold has reported that its US chains Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover delivered their best like-for-like performance “in many years” during the first quarter.
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NewsPC World to build brand with ‘biggest ever’ marketing drive
PC World has launched a brand-building ad campaign jettisoning its traditional focus on price and deals in favour of a message on meeting customer needs as technology transforms lifestyles.
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NewsFormer Boots chief Scott Wheway takes top Best Buy role
Former Boots the Chemists managing director Scott Wheway has been named chief operating officer of Best Buy International and will play a key role in launching the retailer in Europe.
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NewsJohn Lewis Partnership sales up
John Lewis Partnership recorded a 2.8 per cent sales rise in the week to May 16.
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NewsFindel mulls rights issue after disappointing year
Home shopping group Findel is considering a rights issue among other changes to its funding arrangements and has revealed a disappointing financial performance.
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NewsSir Stuart Rose claims record share ‘bounce back’ for M&S
Marks & Spencer has pulled off its biggest market share “bounce back” in more than a decade, executive chairman Sir Stuart Rose claimed.
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NewsMarks & Spencer’s profit plunge triggers shares slide
General retailers were down over the week as Marks & Spencer posted a profits fall and investors took profits. Marks & Spencer’s lower profits were expected but some analysts were disappointed with what Pali International analyst Nick Bubb called an “underwhelming” accompanying statement.
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AnalysisNeed to know: Succession planning
Effective succession planning is key to maintaining a healthy business over time, yet it can get overlooked. So who is good at it and how should retailers go about it?
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NewsCautious brokers upgrade Kingfisher on Q1 prospects
Brokers have increased profit forecasts for DIY giant Kingfisher in expectation of a good first quarter but remain cautious about longer- term prospects.
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NewsClothing retailers benefit from April sales rise
Retail sales rose 3 per cent in value year on year during April and 2.6 per cent by volume, ONS data showed.
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NewsShoppers swarm to Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaars
VIDEO: Bargain-hungry shoppers turned out in force today as Marks & Spencer opened Original Penny Bazaars in 300 stores as part of its 125th anniversary celebrations.
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NewsM&S reveals new marketing tagline: ‘Quality worth every penny’
Marks & Spencer has unveiled a new marketing tagline – “Quality worth every penny” – to emphasise its value credentials and reputation for quality.
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NewsMarks & Spencer launches transformation drive as profits plunge
Marks & Spencer has launched a transformation programme called 2020 – Doing the right thing, to be headed by finance director Ian Dyson.
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NewsAlliance Boots profit surge
Alliance Boots has reported a rise in profits and is confident about the year to come
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NewsH&M celebrates sales turnaround
International fashion giant H&M has posted recession-busting like-for-like growth of 8 per cent for April, when total sales climbed 19 per cent.