Year: 2019

Finally, a government addressing the business rates fiasco

Regardless of your political colours, small businesses up and down the land will be pleased to hear of at least one policy which looks set to survive the transition from manifesto wish lists to actual policy and legislation, and that is a business rates overhaul. The prime minister, Boris Johnson,…

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The White Company profits jump 26% in FY results

The White Company has reported a 26% increase in profits to £14.4m for in its full year results to 3 August 2019. The group also reported a 21% increase to £13.6m for its published group operating profit for the 70 week period, compared with £11.2m last year. Group turnover increased…

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Westfield named best shopping centre in the UK

Westfield London and Westfield Stratford has been named the best shopping centres in the UK, for the second year running.  According to GlobalData’s Top 50 Shopping Centres Report for 2019, Bluewater in Greenhithe, Kent was ranked in third place, followed by Intu Trafford Centre in Manchester. Intu Lakeside, Sheffield’s Meadowhall…

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Fiona Firth appointed managing director of Net-a-Porter menswear

Fiona Firth has been appointed as managing director of Mr Porter, the menswear arm of online fashion retailer Net-a-Porter. Firth was buying director of the division since April 2016, where she delivered “exceptional campaigns that have redefined the luxury menswear e-commerce experience”. During her tenure, she has helped launch exclusive…

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Consumer confidence increases in December

Consumer confidence has risen three points this month, according to the latest figures from GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index. Consumer confidence now stands at -11, after an increase of 4 measures and decrease of 1 measure so far this month.  The first index, which measures changes in personal finances, decreased by…

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Airbnb is the latest ‘big tech’ monolith to run rings around our outdated legal apparatus

It may seem tangential to those who do not work in real estate, but there is a court case on the continent with major implications for the future of many sectors, which reached a critical phase yesterday. It is the case of Airbnb vs the French tourism association, in which…

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How technology can help retail marketers create happy consumers

Shopping online during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, over the busy Christmas period, and in the January sales (yep, they’re still a thing!) can be akin to rummaging through a jumble sale. In order to find relevant content, many shoppers have to rifle through a mass of promotional offers on different sections…

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Debenhams landlord challenges High Court CVA decision

A Debenhams landlord has decided to appeal against a recent High Court ruling which paved the way for the embattled retailer’s CVA to go ahead. According to a report by the Telegraph, the Salford-based landlord is hoping to “overthrow” the legal win from two months ago. In September, the High…

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Black Friday delays Christmas footfall surge

Black Friday has delayed the expected Christmas footfall surge according to Ipsos Retail Performance, leading to the forecasted footfall for the month being revised by -1.4%. The first week of the official reporting month (w/c 24 November) saw shopper numbers swell by 20.9% on the week before thanks to the…

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Bonmarché CEO Helen Connolly quits

Bonmarché CEO Helen Connolly has stepped down from her role, after three years in the position, according to Drapers.  Connolly stepped down from the position after joining the fashion retailer in August 2016 succeeding Karen Millen and Coast CEO Beth Butterwick. Prior to Bonmarché, she held the position of director…

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