Year: 2019

UK consumer confidence up despite Brexit ‘fears’

Gfk’s long running Consumer Confidence Index Score went up by one point in February to -13, despite the continuous uncertainty surrounding Brexit. The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months increased by two points to -33 this month, four points lower than February…

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Travis Perkins posts strong H2 results during ‘challenging year’

Building supplies retailer Travis Perkins has announced strong financial results for the second half of 2018, despite describing trading conditions as “extremely challenging”. The retailer saw its sales for the period rise by 4.8% to £6.74bn, with its pre-tax profits increasing by 1.2% to £347m. Adjusted opening profit at the…

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How data plays a vital role against online fraud

As consumers shift away from  brick and mortar shops, online shopping has become one of the most popular online activities worldwide. Global eCommerce is predicted to approach $5trn worldwide by 2021 However, this proclivity for online shopping has resulted in an increased risk of eCommerce fraud, an ongoing problem for…

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Ted Baker shares plunge amid profit warning

Ted Baker’s shares plunged as much as 17% in early trading after it warned profits are expected to below market expectations. The fashion retailer said profit before tax is now expected to be in the region of £63m, well below the £73.5m it reported during the same period last year.…

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Shop price inflation hits six-year high

Shop price inflation increased by 0.7% in February, up from 0.4% in January, and is the highest inflation rate since March 2013. According to the BRC, non-food prices rose by 0.2% year-on-year during the month, compared with the January decrease of 0.2%. Additionally, food inflation rose slightly to 1.6%, up…

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M&S signs £750m delivery deal with Ocado

Marks and Spencer has announced the creation of a new joint venture with online supermarket Ocado which the two companies say will “transform online grocery shopping for UK consumers”. Under the new venture, M&S is acquiring a 50% share of Ocado’s UK retail business, which will be supported by Ocado…

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Karren Brady leaves Arcadia Group

Karren Brady has left her role as chairman at Philip Green’s Taveta, the company behind Arcadia Group. Earlier this month Brady said she had a “duty” to employees to remain in her role, with her support for Green’s business under pressure following staff allegations of sexual harassment, racial abuse and…

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How effective are retailers at engaging the UK’s student market?

The word student has a few connotations, and those don’t tend to be associated with spending power, often the opposite. Living in sub par accomodation and shopping at second hand stores may be true for some, but now, if it’s second-hand it’s vintage, and if it’s vintage you can buy…

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Laura Ashley faces £20m takeover bid

Struggling retail company Laura Ashley could be bought out by investment firm Flacks Group, it has been confirmed. The investment company released a statement in response to speculative media reports, which suggested there would be a possible buyout of the retailer. Laura Ashley denied the claims on Monday 25 February…

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N Brown Group appoints Steve Johnson as new CEO

Online retailer N Brown Group has appointed Steve Johnson as CEO with immediate effect. Johnson was appointed interim CEO in September 2018, having previously acted as CEO of financial services for the group. He joined N Brown from Shop Direct, where he was financial services marketing and product director for…

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