Barclays
This coverage examines Barclays’ activities and influence on the UK retail sector, with reporting on economic outlooks, lending practices, partnerships, and service initiatives that impact retailers. Tailored for retail executives, finance managers, and planners assessing banking relationships, credit availability, and broader financial trends affecting retail operations.
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Dec- 2019 -16 DecemberHealth & Beauty
The Hut Group completes €1bn capital raising
The Hut Group has announced a €1bn (£830m) raise in capital in order to deliver a “step- change” to its balance sheet ahead of “anticipated macro-economic” and “political changes arising from the general election and Brexit”. The health and beauty platform has revealed BlackRock, a long term investor in The…
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Nov- 2019 -22 NovemberEconomy
The Hut Group secures £510m debt facility to boost beauty investment
The Hut Group has secured a £510m of debt issuance with a seven-year maturity to help boost its digital and beauty offerings. The process has been underwritten by Barclays, HSBC, Citi and Santander. The transaction is set to be a “step change” within the beauty and wellness capital structure. The…
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Apr- 2019 -26 AprilDepartment Stores
Debenhams to close 22 stores with 1,200 jobs at risk
Department store chain, Debenhams has announced it is to close 22 stores putting 1,200 jobs at risk. The closures come as part of a revival plan for the department store laid out by lenders including Barclays and Bank of Ireland. Terry Duddy, Debenhams executive chairman, said: “Debenhams has a clear…
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10 AprilDepartment Stores
Mike Ashley promises to ‘save’ Debenhams
Mike Ashley has made a promise to “save as many Debenhams stores and jobs” as he can similarly to House of Fraser, following the department store going under the control of its lenders. Sports Direct released a statement after Debenhams was placed into administration saying it was a “national scandal”…
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5 AprilClothing & Shoes
Asos threatens to shut down accounts to deter serial returners
Online retailer Asos has updated its returns policy with a clause to deactivate the accounts of shoppers it suspects are returning clothes after they have been worn. The retailer sent an email to customers directing them to its updated terms and conditions page. Under the returns and refunds section, Asos…
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Oct- 2018 -16 OctoberAdvice
How the ‘customer experience’ can improve inclusivity in-store
Next month, a number of British retailers including Asda, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Barclays and Argos will be coming together in aid of ‘Purple Tuesday’ – the first accessible shopping day in the UK. Co-ordinated by the disability organisation Purple and endorsed by the government, Purple Tuesday is all about…
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Jun- 2018 -25 JuneHigh Street
Goldsmiths jewellers owner appoints banks ahead of IPO listing next year
The parent company of British jewellery retail chain Goldsmiths has appointed two banks to manage its flotation on the stock market next year. Aurum Holdings, which also owns Watches of Switzerland, has appointed Goldman Sachs and Barclays to aid with a public listing that may take place in London next…
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15 JuneClothing & Shoes
H&M sales fail to hit expectations
The Swedish fashion brand H&M has revealed that it missed its sales expectations for the second quarter sales growth in its latest financial report. The retailer reported a shares decrease of 3.6% in early trading as well as unchanged sales in local currencies from March to May including VAT, meaning…
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May- 2018 -9 MayAdvice
Payments: the defining factor in the customer experience
Perfecting the customer experience is a challenge that gives all retailers sleepless nights. After all, according to Barclays, 55% of consumers have abandoned a purchase due to poor service on the high street. Revenues and in many cases, the futures of businesses, are dependent on strong levels of customer satisfaction.…
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Mar- 2018 -21 MarchHigh Street
Mothercare appoints KPMG to avert collapse
Mothercare has called in accountants KPMG to handle its refinancing in order to avoid collapse. The childcare retailer appointed KPMG to help it obtain waivers for loan agreements with banking lenders HSBC and Barclays. Since the start of the year Mothercare, which has 152 shops in the UK and 1,131…
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