Newspaper retail round up

Halfords blames World Cup for poor sales

Halfords the cycles and car accessories and repairs retailer, has reported poor like for like sales, down 2.9%. The retailer cites the election, World Cup, and poor weather for its poor performance.

Amazon faces wrath of US publishers

UK publisher HarperCollins has joined Random House in its opposition of Amazon.com’s deal with a literary agent to sell digital versions of classic books on its online site.

UK consumer confidence slipping

Consumer confidence in Britain is lower this quarter than the previous quarter, according to the British Retail Consortium confidence index. The survey flies in the face of growing confidence around the world.

Miss Sixty CVA ruled unfair

A High Court judge has rejected a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) that would have allowed fashion chain Miss Sixty to avoid liquidation and continue trading by restructuring its debts. IT was ruled unfair to one of the chain’s landlords.

From The Financial Times

M&S launches Twilight themed men’s pants

Marks & Spencer has launched a range of low-rise briefs and trunks aimed at fans of Twilight actor Robert Pattinson.

Retailers see strongest growth since 2007

Retailers have recorded their strongest month of sales since 2007, according to the CBI (Confederation of British Industry). Sales were boosted by hot weather and the World Cup.

From The Guardian

Aurora Fashions back on track

Aurora Fashions, the women’s fashion retailer that owns the Oasis and Karen Millen brands says it is on track and reported an operating profit of £22.6m on retail sales of £661m during its first 11 months of trading since forming out of the collapsed Mosaic group.

From The Times

British fashion chain All Saints is extending its overseas expansion with a £5m extension of banking loans. The clothing retailer opened its first US store this year and is planning to open 30 in total.

From The Mail on Sunday