Christmas
This coverage explores the critical Christmas trading period in the UK retail sector, focusing on sales performance, promotional strategies, consumer trends, supply chain planning, and operational challenges. Reporting highlights how retailers prepare for and execute peak season campaigns to maximise revenue and manage demand. Designed for executives and managers, it provides insights into effective planning and competitive positioning during the festive season.
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Oct- 2023 -20 OctoberNews
Today’s news in brief-20/10/23
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a 0.9% decline in retail sales for September, following a 0.4% rise in August 2023. Over the quarter, sales volumes dropped by 0.8% compared to the previous three months. Non-food store sales were particularly affected, with a 1.9% decrease in September, attributed to…
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20 OctoberEconomy
UK consumer confidence falls ahead of festive period
GfK’s long-running consumer confidence index decreased nine points to -30 in October. All five measures were down in comparison to last month’s announcement. The index measuring changes in personal finances during the last year fell six points at -19; this is nine points better than October 2022. The forecast for…
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18 OctoberClothing & Shoes
One in six Black Friday purchases will be returned, data shows
Almost one in every six garments bought on Black Friday will be returned, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way as the highest returning cohorts, according to the latest data from True Fit, the AI platform that decodes size and fit for consumers and retailers. Original research of over…
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17 OctoberDepartment Stores
John Lewis Partnership unveils new lifestyle brand
The John Lewis Partnership has unveiled Made With Care, the first design for a new lifestyle brand that will be curated with designers and creators who have grown up in the care system. A year since the Partnership used its biggest platform – the annual Christmas advert – to help…
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16 OctoberNews
Today’s news in brief-16/10/23
Next has finalised the acquisition of FatFace for £115.2m, with a portion of the payment made in cash and the remainder in Next’s shares. Following the transaction, Next will hold 97% of the equity, while FatFace’s management will retain 3%. FatFace will continue to operate autonomously with its own board…
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16 OctoberNews
Covent Garden welcomes 16 new retail brands in six months
Shaftesbury Capital has signed 16 new retail brands across its Covent Garden estate in the last six months, cementing the area as one of central London’s leading retail destinations. Recently HOKA, the running shoes and apparel brand, and Balibaris, the international menswear label, opened their first ever retail location in…
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16 OctoberSupermarkets
Aldi to open 12 new stores before Christmas
Aldi has revealed that it plans to open 12 additional stores across the country before the end of the year. The supermarket, which opened its 1,000th UK store in Woking last month, will be opening one new store a week between now and the end of the year. New stores…
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16 OctoberNews
M&S to recruit 10,000 Christmas roles
Marks and Spencer has announced it will be recruiting 10,000 new customer assistants to support in its stores over the festive period. The number of vacancies is a more than 40% increase on last year and reflects the additional investment M&S is making in employees’ hours to support customers on…
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16 OctoberAdvice
A retailer’s guide to seasonal merchandising and display
In the dynamic world of retail, seasonal merchandising and displays stand as potent catalysts for driving foot traffic and boosting sales. These strategic endeavours not only enhance the shopping experience but also infuse a store with a vibrant, ever-changing ambiance that entices patrons and fosters loyalty. Before embarking on the…
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13 OctoberAnalysis
Major retailers are hiring for Xmas – but is that right for you?
As the festive season approaches, shoppers in the UK are gearing up for Christmas spending, while retailers are preparing themselves to get rushed by mad crowds. A number of high-profile retailers – including Tesco, Sainsbury, Majestic Wines and Aldi – have already announced that they are looking to hire many…
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