Newspaper retail round-up

A round-up of retail stories in the newspapers this week… Amazon, Sainsbury’s, Kurt Geiger, Tesco, H&M

Amazon brings Black Friday discounts to the UK

Amazon has met a backlash over the “Black Friday” promotion it has introduced to the UK after customers complained that deals sold out within seconds. The Black Friday promotion follows the tradition in the US to launch massive promotions after Thanskgiving.

Sainsbury’s and Best Buy set up Channel Island websites

Sainsbury’s and Best Buy are the latest UK retailers to set up DVD and CD websites in the Channel Islands to take advantage of an EU tax loophole. They join Tesco, Amazon, Asda and HMV.

Sales of high heels quadruple

Designer shoe chain Kurt Geiger has reported that sales of its high heels have quadrupled in the past year, driven by interest in celebrity fashion.

From The Guardian

Online discounts sites boosted by recession

The economic downturn has encouraged discount sites and invitation only e-commerce sites offering time-limited discounts on luxury brands.

Tesco to quadruple China sales

Tesco has pledged to quadruple its annual sales in China over the next five years to £4bn as it ramps up its business in Asia. Tesco plans to spend £2bn on 50 shopping malls in China.

George Davies turns to Middle East

Fashion entrepreneur George Davies is launching a fashion venture in the Middle East soon after scaling down his underperforming Give chain in the UK.

Delia helps lift Waitrose sales

Waitrose pre-prepared Delia Smith Christmas cake mix helped boost sales at the upmarket grocer by 8% in the week to 20 November, suggesting that shoppers are shrugging of economic fears in the run up to Christmas.

From The Financial Times

H&M unveils Lanvin designer range

H&M revealed its 48-piece collection designed by couture designer Lanvin at 200 of its high street stores. Fashionistas in London queued overnight at its Oxford Street store to get hold of the latest designer/high street collaboration first.

From The Times

Tough Christmas on the high street expected

The high street should prepare for a disappointing Christmas according to a study by Markit, which revealed consumers’ enthusiasm for big ticket purchases has reached a near two-year low.

Tesco gives staff a £55m Christmas gift

Tesco has handed all its staff a booklet of discount vouchers worth £140 to spend in store in the run up to Christmas. To get the benefit of the full discount staff need to spend £100.

From The Telegraph