Links of London hoping for rescue offer as it rushes to find a buyer August 22, 2019 The future of Links of London is reportedly hanging in the balance this week as the British jewellery chain rushes to find a buyer. The embattled group’s owner is on the hunt for a rescue offer by next week, according to Sky News, with sources telling the broadcaster that it was “almost inevitable” any sale [...]
Sales plunge at fastest rate since financial crisis as UK retailers forecast trouble ahead August 22, 2019 Retail sales and orders have plummeted at their fastest since the financial crisis, according to a new survey that suggests optimism in the industry has plunged to a 10-year low. Read more: Laura Ashley drops into the red A report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has found that retail sales volumes and orders [...]
Ted Baker finance boss bags Mulberry role August 22, 2019 Ted Baker’s finance boss Charles Anderson has quit after 17 years to join luxury bag brand Mulberry. Anderson will join Mulberry’s board as group finance director in early October, replacing Neil Ritchie who stepped down on 30 June. During his time at Ted Baker, Anderson played an active role in its international expansion and systems [...]
Firefighters put out blaze at another Ocado warehouse August 22, 2019 Firefighters were called to put out a small fire at an Ocado warehouse last night, just months after a fire at one of its flagship sites caused nearly £100m in damage. A waste packaging container caught fire, the company said in a statement this morning. Read more: Losses deepen as Ocado reveals cost of Andover [...]
Laura Ashley drops into the red amid tough retail conditions August 22, 2019 Furniture and fashion-seller Laura Ashley was hit by a rough retail sector, its chief executive said this morning, as the company fell into the red. Loss before tax and exceptional items hit £9.8m at in the full year to 30 June. Last year the company made a £5.6m profit. Read more: Laura Ashley shares hit [...]
That’s the ticket: Fans deserve a market built on transparency August 22, 2019 Imagine you’ve long wanted to see your favourite band live. Then one day, they announce a tour, with a date in your hometown in eight months’ time. This band hasn’t toured in a long time, and you know that they always draw in the masses. What do you do? Buy the ticket, of course – [...]
Uncertain future for retailers as businesses fail to invest in digital August 21, 2019 In an already turbulent time for the high street, swathes of the retail sector are ignoring the need to focus on digital technology, despite consumers increasingly shopping online, according to research. A survey of 100 top retailers found more than one-third of businesses have no strategy in place to address developments such as a rapid [...]
UK’s first contactless car vending machine unveiled in London August 21, 2019 Londoners in desperate need of a brand-new car can now snap up a set of wheels instantly, thanks to the UK’s first contactless vending machine. The bespoke vending machine, installed today in Spitalfields Market, allows motorists to purchase a new car on the spot via a contactless payment on their phone. The stunt, carried out [...]
Easyhotel bidders secure takeover despite founder’s protests August 21, 2019 Real estate investors Ivanhoe Cambridge and Icamap have secured their takeover of Easyhotel, despite protests from founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The bidders, who have formed a joint venture named Citrus UK, said they hold or have received acceptances for more than 50 per cent of the company’s voting rights. Read more: Easyhotel urges investors to [...]