Year: 2019

Vans opens new boutique concept store in Covent Garden

Vans has kicked off what is described as its “UK retail transformation” with the official opening of its brand new boutique in Covent Garden, London. The store which is “the first of its kind in Europe”, is part of the Mercers’ company property estate is located on Neal Street, spanning…

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UK grocers criticised over ‘harsh’ working conditions for tea and fruit farmers

Oxfam has alleged that “poor pay” and “harsh working conditions” are commonplace on farms and plantations in Brazil and India which supply tea or fruit to some of the UK’s biggest grocers, according to new research by the charity. The supermarkets named by Oxfam include Aldi, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons.…

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Dunelm sales jump 6.4% in first quarter results

Homeware retailer Dunelm has reported a 6.4% increase in total like-for-like sales for the 13-week period ended 28 September 2019, with “good growth” across its total retail system. Total revenue increased to 7.5% during the period, boosted by a string of new store openings. Additionally, the retailer said the beginning…

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Retail by numbers: Top priorities as the festive season approaches

The retail industry is experiencing unique setbacks and opportunities in an evolving digital ad landscape. According to eMarketer, the UK retail industry will account for 14.7% (£2.16bn) of digital ad spend in 2019. As the holiday shopping season approaches, what are some of the top priorities for retail marketers this…

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N Brown returns to profit amid strong H1 results

Fashion retailer N Brown has returned to profit after reporting an 151.9% increase in statutory operating profit to £14.7m, up from a negative of £28m compared with the same period last year. N Brown, which owns Simply Be, Jacamo, JD Williams and Ambrose Wilson, said it “spent a substantial amount…

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Debenhams secures £50m cash injection from creditors

Debenhams has revealed it has secured a £50m loan facility with some of its existing lenders to help it through the busy festive period. Following the successful consent solicitation concluded on 6 September 2019, the department store chain said the new cash injection will provide the group with an additional…

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Links of London enters administration placing 350 jobs at risk

British jewellery brand Links of London has entered administration, placing around 350 jobs at risk. Matt Smith and Dan Smith, restructuring partners at Deloitte, have been appointed as joint administrators to the company. The brand is owned by the Greek Folli Follie Group, with headquarters in London, and sells luxury…

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Hays Travel to acquire entire Thomas Cook UK retail estate

Independent travel agent chain Hays Travel is to acquire Thomas Cook’s entire UK retail estate, in a move that could save up to 2,500 jobs. The travel agent will acquire a total of 555 stores around the UK, providing re-employment opportunities for a “significant” number of former employees of Thomas…

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Kingfisher appoints new CFO

DIY retailer Kingfisher, which owns B&Q, has appointed Bernard Bot as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Bot will take up the role on 21 October 2019 and will be appointed to the board of directors on that date. He will also become a member of the group executive team.…

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Enhancing the retail customer experience through data

The dawn of modern consumerism means today’s customers increasingly expect products and communications tailored to their individual preferences. Driven by technological advances, and led by digitally-savvy retailers like Amazon and eBay, brands are looking to data analysis to deliver tailored recommendations every time customers open their emails, smart apps, social…

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