HMV
This coverage focuses on HMV’s position and performance within the UK retail sector, highlighting store strategies, brand revival efforts, merchandising approaches, and financial developments. Reporting also examines management decisions, market challenges, and the retailer’s adaptation to changing consumer trends. Insights are tailored for retail executives, brand managers, and professionals interested in the dynamics of entertainment retail and high-street resilience.
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Aug- 2019 -6 AugustAnalysis
What on earth is Mike Ashley’s game?
If you’ve been paying even cursory attention to the retail market over the last 18 months, you will know that the founder of Sports Direct, the billionaire Mike Ashley, has been on a mission to buy up the high street. As news of the torrent of CVAs and administrations has…
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Jul- 2019 -10 JulyAdvice
The impact of Brexit on the UK retail market
It’s no secret that the UK retail sector is facing a serious crisis, with the demise of several vendors including HMV, Toys R Us and LK Bennett a stark example of companies which have failed to stay afloat. But where did it all begin and what actions can retailers take…
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May- 2019 -15 MayEntertainment
Physical entertainment market falls by 17%
The retail market for physical entertainment declined by 17.4% during the 12 weeks to 7 April, attributed to a decline in shopper numbers, fewer major gaming and music releases and store closures for HMV. The research by Kantar showed that physical stores grew their share of the gaming market for…
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Apr- 2019 -2 AprilHigh Street
Schroders backs Findel’s rejection of Sports Direct takeover
Fund manager Schroders has backed Findel’s rejection of Sport’s Directs £140m takeover bid, saying it “significantly undervalues” the future prospects of the company. Schroders said it remains “supportive of Findel” and its management team and the “operational and financial progress” that the home shopping company has made under the leadership…
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Mar- 2019 -20 MarchDIY
Office Outlet falls into administration
Stationery retailer, Office Outlet, has entered administration putting 1,200 jobs at risk at the retailer formerly known as Staples. The collapse of the 90-store retailer comes less than a year after its management team first initiated a CVA to reduce rent and cut stores. The retailer appointed Deloitte to oversee…
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19 MarchAdvice
Hard times on the high street
The widespread impact of digital is a daily reality, but few cases have been so apparent to the everyday consumer than the disruption of retail. This trend has contributed to familiar retail names like Toys R Us, BHS and HMV falling into the hands of administrators, at risk of joining…
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18 MarchAdvice
How retailers can keep up with the pace of change
Has the future of retail ever looked so bleak? From crumbling giants like HMV and Hammerson to headline-grabbing losses at Laura Ashley and Paperchase, it’s fair to wonder what the future holds for the high street. Factors like cold weather and inflation haven’t helped the recent slump, but it’s the…
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6 MarchHigh Street
Findel rejects Sports Direct’s takeover bid
Findel’s board of directors has unanimously rejected Sports Direct’s £139m bid it has, saying the offer “significantly undervalues” the company. The news comes after the company agreed to buy shares in Findel worth £9.7m, taking its stake in the Accrington-based business from 29.9% to 36.8%. Under takeover rules any investor…
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5 MarchM&A
Sports Direct offers £139m for Findel
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has announced it has made a £139m bid for home shopping company, Findel. In a statement to the London Stock Exchange this morning (5 March), Sports Direct said it intended to purchase the remaining shares in Findel for 161p per share, a 1p reduction on the…
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Feb- 2019 -14 FebruaryHigh Street
Mike Ashley’s business profits tumble
Profits at the holding company that contains Mike Ashley’s business empire plummeted in 2017, attributed to the fall in value of the pound and the poor performance at Newcastle United. Accounts filed at Companies House for the financial year ending April 2017 revealed profits at Mash Holdings fell from £227.7m…
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