More finance – Page 2
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InterviewQ&A: Next CEO Lord Wolfson on navigating an ‘anaemic’ economic outlook
Next shares fell this morning as the retail bellwether cautioned that the UK economy is set for “anaemic” growth in the coming months.
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OpinionWhat the 2026 business rates revaluation means for major chains
Forthcoming changes represent a structural shift for big retailers, and they need to be prepared, observes Ryan’s tax services specialist Alex Probyn
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InterviewClarks president Joe Ulloa on how the heritage brand is stepping into the future
As Clarks celebrates its 200th anniversary, the quintessential British brand is broadening its horizons with a revamped product offer, host of digital launches and international expansion as it prepares for the next chapter of its legacy
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AnalysisAldi boss is future-focused with plans for expansion, customer growth and Christmas
Supermarket Aldi reported its full-year results for 2024 today, revealing a slight sales uptick from £17.9bn to £18.1bn
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AnalysisExplainer: Implications of Sainsbury’s surprise on-off Argos sale talks
In the space of a weekend, it was revealed that Sainsbury’s was considering selling its Argos general merchandise division to Chinese colossus JD.com, and then that talks were over. Retail Week examines the implications
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FeatureTrimming fat or cutting muscle? How retailers can preserve their brand story in an era of cost-cutting
In the early 1990s, as sky-high interest rates, falling house prices, and an overvalued exchange rate sent the economy into a tailspin, McDonald’s famously slashed its brand marketing budget in a bid to cut costs. Just as famously, it lived to regret that decision.
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AnalysisJohn Lewis chiefs look ahead to a very merry Christmas after painful first half
First-half profits slipped at the John Lewis Partnership but, as they gear up for Christmas, bosses are optimistic that retail improvements and focus on productivity will being success and shoppers will be willing to spend in the golden quarter
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Chart of the WeekThe food prices hitting UK shoppers’ wallets hardest
Nine in 10 UK adults have noticed prices becoming more expensive this year, according to figures released as part of Barclays’ latest consumer spend report
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AnalysisPret boss gambles on back to the future plan to take on the supermarkets
After enduring a mixed few years post-Covid, today Pret plunged to a £553m loss after it booked a substantial write-down by its owner. Its boss has outlined plans to build the business back.
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Opinion‘New business secretary’s Body Shop background may be good news for retail’
As the next Budget looms, retailers need all the friends they can get in government, but last week’s reshuffle means they need to build new relationships, observes George MacDonald
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Chart of the WeekHealth and beauty deals dominate as global retail M&A slows
The surging wellness economy has helped make health and beauty the most in-demand consumer sector for M&A dealmakers, according to new figures from AlixPartners.
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FeatureThe age of agentic AI: The next big tech trend in retail
The retail industry has only just wrapped its head around chatbots and AI-powered search, but newer iterations of AI keep emerging
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Opinion'WHSmith’s American dream takes on nightmarish hue'
A profit warning from WHSmith after the discovery of accounting problems at its US arm came as a huge shock, but comparisons with Tesco at its lowest point may be overdone, believes Retail Week’s George MacDonald
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FeatureFrom browsing bliss to tedious clicks: Has online shopping lost its spark?
According to research by Criteo, 76% of people think that ecommerce is functional, but not fun, almost 80% find shopping online lonely, compared to an experiential in-store experience, and nearly a third even view it as a chore.
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AnalysisPoundland poised to press button on £1 price rollout as it awaits restructuring green light
Assuming the value retailer wins support for its turnaround plans in the next few days, boss Barry Williams thinks it could make a comeback as swift as its decline. Here, he tells Retail Week about his plans to make Poundland a favourite with shoppers once again
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AnalysisUlta Beauty: What does the largest beauty retailer in the US want with the UK?
There’s an abundance of beauty retailers in the UK from high street staples Boots and Superdrug, experience-led retailers Sephora and Space NK, and emerging brands such as Pure Seoul, but is there room for more?
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InterviewQ&A: Sunspel chief executive on bucking the downwards trend in luxury
From dressing the Rolling Stones to James Bond and Brad Pitt, British luxury brand Sunspel has been the outfitter of choice for the rich, cool and famous for over 160 years. Chief executive Raul Verdicchi speaks to Retail Week about outperforming the market, opening new stores and dealing with Trump’s tariffs.
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AnalysisMad for it: How Oasis’ reunion has delivered a £1bn boost for the high street
Oasis’ long-awaited reunion tour has been a golden boost for the UK’s otherwise struggling high streets and city centres. Retail Week crunches the numbers to see how the band has boosted footfall and spend.
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Opinion‘As it wins approval for restructuring, River Island still faces fundamental questions’
Any restructuring of River Island will only be a small step towards recovery. The retailer needs to find its sense of purpose, believes George MacDonald
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AnalysisTariffs set to cost UK non-food retailers £618.5m
The tariffs are also driving 76% of UK retail exporters to diversify beyond the US, according to research by Retail Economics and ecommerce firm ESW