Waterstones
This coverage focuses on Waterstones’ strategy, operations, and role within the UK bookselling and retail sector. Reporting highlights store performance, expansion plans, leadership decisions, marketing initiatives, and responses to consumer trends and industry challenges. Designed for retail executives, brand managers, and operations professionals, the content provides insights into how Waterstones maintains its position in a competitive market.
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Feb- 2021 -9 FebruaryHigh Street
Cornhill retail development adds Superdry and Waterstone stores
Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter, which is subject to a £70m redevelopment from Lincolnshire Co-op, has announced two additional high profile retail signings to the scheme. A Superdry franchise store will be added to the ground floor of the Waterstones building, with the designer clothing brand Richard Goddard operating from the first…
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Jan- 2021 -25 JanuaryCoronavirus
Waterstones boss warns of closures unless gov extends rates relief
James Daunt, the boss of book retailer Waterstones, has warned that he could be forced to close stores unless the government extends its business rates relief and other forms of state aid. Talking to Retail Week, he said that while he has no intention to close stores currently – it…
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Jul- 2020 -30 JulyHigh Street
Waterstones set to axe HQ roles
Waterstones is reportedly set to make a number of redundancies at its Piccadilly-based head office. According to the Bookseller, the group said it was “currently in consultation” with those affected by the cuts, but declined to confirm the number of jobs at risk. In addition, a spokesperson confirmed the group…
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Feb- 2020 -17 FebruaryFeatures
Book Smart: Why the independent bookshop is here to stay
The bookselling industry is subject to constant speculation. In a world where Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos reigns and tablet devices are a mainstay, one would be forgiven for assuming the end is nigh for independent booksellers’ success. But despite the rise of retail giants and fall of book…
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7 FebruaryHigh Street
Waterstones revenues soar in full-year results
Book retailer Waterstones has reported a 33% rise in profit before tax for the year ended April 2019, despite “a period absent of significant bestselling titles”. According to accounts filed with Companies House, the retailer also saw an 18% increase in operating profit amid rise in stationary, food, gifts and…
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Jun- 2019 -17 JuneAdvice
Tailoring the consumer experience
Consumers are increasingly looking for more personal, community-orientated shopping experiences, with a recent IRI survey highlighting that over 50% of UK customers prefer to shop local. While 10 years ago this meant visiting the 7-11 corner shop, a high street butcher or your local fashion store, the revolution of retail…
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13 JuneHigh Street
Majestic Wine records loss as focus switches to online
Wine retailer Majestic Wine, has recorded an £8.5m loss for the financial year up 2 April, in spite of a 6.3% increase in reported revenue to £506.1m. Alongside the stores impairment charge, the retailer also invested extra funds into its online company Naked Wines. The extra investment saw, revenue at…
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10 JuneHigh Street
Waterstones’ owner acquires Barnes and Noble in £538m deal
Elliott Management, owner of book retailer Waterstones, has announced the acquisition of US book retailer Barnes and Noble for $683m (£538m). James Daunt, CEO of Waterstones, will take the role of CEO of Barnes and Noble following the completion of the transaction and will be based in New York. Barnes…
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May- 2019 -29 MayHigh Street
WHSmith ranked worst retailer in Which? Survey
WHSmith has finished bottom of Which?’s annual UK high street shops survey rankings of more than 100 shops, while specialist retailers came out on top. The annual survey of more than 7,700 Which? members looked at the bricks-and-mortar shops offering the best in-store experiences. WHSmith finished with a customer score…
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Jan- 2019 -24 JanuaryComment
Three common factors among retail survivors
It is hard to remember a time when analysts were not being harbingers of doom for the British high street. 2018 saw Toys R Us and Maplin disappear while House of Fraser, Claire’s and Superdry are three of many retailers who have announced profit warnings or store closure. Why are…
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