Covid-19
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Jan- 2025 -24 JanuaryFeatures
The rise of AI-driven cosmetics retail
The world of cosmetics retail is changing at an unprecedented pace. From the rise of AI-driven shopping experiences to the growing consumer demand for sustainability, brands must now navigate a dynamic and increasingly competitive landscape. Few professionals understand this better than Felicity Gain, business development manager for Smile Science Harley…
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13 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/1/25
Asda announced a significant overhaul of its operations, cutting 13 regional manager roles and consolidating management of supermarkets and express stores into 22 sub-regions from 30. The changes, driven by poor Christmas performance with a 5.8% drop in sales and a decline in market share to 12.5%, mark Allan Leighton’s…
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13 JanuaryHealth & Beauty
Boots sales rise 8.1% in Q1
Boots has delivered a “strong” first quarter with total comparable retail sales up 8.1% YoY for the three months ended 30 November 2024. The UK’s leading health and beauty retailer saw growth across all categories and channels, on top of a “significant increase” in the prior year. Boots’ digital sales…
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Sep- 2024 -30 SeptemberHigh Street
Dreams sales jump 2.2% amid record store investment
Dreams has revealed turnover increased by 2.2% to £395.4m for the 52 weeks ending December 2023, following a period of record investment in store expansion and refits and upgrading its technology system. The specialist bed retailer said the performance was underpinned by 4.4% orders like-for-like (LFL) growth and continuous market…
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Aug- 2024 -27 AugustNews
Today’s news in brief-27/8/24
UK shop prices have fallen for the first time since October 2021, with the BRC-NielsenIQ index reporting deflation of 0.3% in August, down from July’s 0.2% inflation. Non-food items saw a deeper deflation of -1.5%, driven by heavy discounts on summer stock, while food inflation slowed to 2%, with fresh…
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Jul- 2024 -31 JulyPeople Moves
Fenwick appoints new CEO
Fenwick has appointed Nigel Blow, the current CEO of department store Morleys, as its new chief executive officer. His appointment comes as Fenwick CEO John Edgar leaves business after four and a half years, as part of “wider changes” to its senior management structure. The appointment of Blow, who joins the…
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1 JulyClothing & Shoes
Fancy dress brand Smiffy’s sold to Ad Populum
Fancy dress retailer R.H. Smith and Sons, trading as Smiffy’s, has been sold to Ad Populum after falling into administration. Headquartered in Leeds, Smiffy’s has been operating for over 100 years and has stores in Liverpool, Newcastle and Oxford. However, the retailer was forced to appoint joint administrators from PwC…
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Jun- 2024 -17 JuneEconomy
Peak international spending returns to pre-pandemic levels, ONS finds
Spending by international visitors in August, the traditional UK high season, has largely recovered since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Visa. The ONS found that places in the UK with the highest concentration of seasonal spend by international tourists…
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Apr- 2024 -5 AprilGovernment
Theo Paphitis slams gov’s ‘disappointing’ attitude towards retail
Theo Paphitis has called out the government’s “disappointing” attitude towards the industry’s importance, Retail Week has reported. It comes as Paphitis’ retail group, which comprises Ryman, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue, achieved improved profitability in its full-year results. Paphitis said he had increased investment in his brands, whilst the government was…
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Mar- 2024 -15 MarchHigh Street
WH Smith appoints new CFO
WH Smith has appointed Max Izzard as its latest CFO, following the news that Robert Moorhead is set to retire as CFO and COO after more than 20 years with the business. Izzard is currently SVP of group and corporate finance at Burberry. He will join the stationery retailer on…
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