Newspaper retail round-up
A roundup of retail stories from the newspapers this week… WH Smith, Blacks, M&S, loyalty,
From The Financial Times:
Cost cuts offset slowing sales at WH Smith
Tight cost controls enabled WH Smith to offset declines in sales associated with the snowy winter weather and a decision to stop selling low margin CDs and DVDs.
Blacks’ takeover hopes fade
Several potential buyers of the outdoor leisure retailer have abandoned discussions, although it is still possible an 11th-hour offer could be forthcoming.
M&S chief to adjust clothing business
Marc Bolland is poised to take the next steps in implementing his strategic blueprint for the UK retailer with a shake-up of the way the group’s clothing business is organised.
From The Guardian:
Green loyalty card scheme launches
Scheme involving Eurostar and Green & Black’s rewards shoppers for buying environmentally friendly goods and services.
Shoppers: put your money where your mouth is
Plenty welcome the arrival of a new supermarket, but those who don’t should spend more at the local shops they value.
Electrical goods store staff ’lack basic knowledge’
Undercover investigators for Which? visited electrical stores including Comet and Currys and asked specialist questions about televisions and PVRs.
FSA confirms JJB Sports fined £455,000 for failing to disclose information to market
Failure to reveal full details about two acquisitions led to a false market in JJB’s shares for nine months, regulator concludes.
£300m shopping centre axed
Wolverhampton’s 600,000 sq ft Summer Row project cancelled after city council decides project is too risky.
From The Telegraph:
Waitrose crowned Britain’s favourite supermarket
Waitrose has been crowned as Britain’s favourite supermarket by an influential watchdog.
What not to wear: dress codes imposed by shops and businesses in Britain
McDonalds is not the first outlet to give customers a dress code. Here are examples of other businesses who have told customers how to dress.
Harrods sales break through record £1bn
Harrods has hit £1bn of annual sales for the first time after a blowout Christmas.
