All General merchandise articles – Page 129
-
OpinionAnalysis: Finding a buyer for Early Learning Centre will be a challenge
The Early Learning Centre, which has been owned by Mothercare for seven years, continues to lack destination appeal for mothers due to its inaccessibility and higher price architecture compared to the rest of the increasingly competitive toy market.
-
NewsValue chain QD Stores managing director Justin Farrington Smith resigns
Value chain QD Stores managing director Justin Farrington Smith has resigned after eight years at the helm.
-
AnalysisAnnual UK GDP growth: What do retailers need to know?
The economy grew at its fastest annual growth rate last year since before the recession, according to GDP figures released today. Retail Week takes a look the implications for retailers.
-
NewsConsumer confidence falls for the first time in 12 months
Consumer confidence suffered a setback in the fourth quarter as sentiment fell for the first time in 12 months.
-
NewsMothercare in talks to sell off Early Learning Centre at a cut price
Mother and baby specialist retailer Mothercare is in discussions to sell its pre-school business the Early Learning Centre (ELC).
-
NewsPoundland founder Steve Smith to launch online pound shop
Poundland co-founder Steve Smith is to launch a trailblazing online single price point retail venture.
-
NewsVideo: Top toys for 2014 showcased
The Toyfair 2014 showcased toys galore this week at London’s Olympia including one of the must-have toys for this year, the Hexbug.
-
OpinionComment: How to float and not sink
After a prolonged hibernation, the retail IPO market is open for business. However, in the rush to list we may see as many rumoured IPOs sink without trace as actually float.
-
NewsCity opens door to retail IPOs as Poundland and Pets at Home head the queue
The City has given the green light to retail IPOs after poring over the industry’s Christmas performance.
-
NewsRetail sales grow 'modestly' in January as shoppers recover from Christmas
Retail sales increased “modestly” in the year to January as shoppers recover from the spending splurge over Christmas.
-
NewsPoundland reveals record Christmas driven by its broader customer appeal
Poundland has driven up sales to reveal a “record” Christmas partly driven by the broadening appeal of the value retailer’s offer as it served more customers than ever before.
-
OpinionComment: George brand extension provides impetus for Asda’s non-food growth
Using the George brand to reinvigorate its home offer will allow Asda to take full advantage of a housing market recovery in 2014, and establish itself as a serious player in the homewares market.
-
OpinionNick Bubb's verdict: WHSmith - the more things change the more they stay the same
The Christmas trading update from WHSmith was the first from new chief executive Stephen Clarke, but the more things change the more they stay the same.
-
NewsFindel to deliver 'strong profit growth' as sales edge up
Home shopping group Findel said it is on track to deliver “strong profit growth” as sales rose 3.8% in the 16 weeks to January 17.
-
NewsWHSmith reports like-for-likes down over Christmas but profit solid
WHSmith has reported total group sales and like-for-like sales down 4% over the Christmas period, but maintained it delivered a good profit performance.
-
NewsAsda to launch George brand into homewares
Asda has injected a new vigour into its attempts to become Britain’s biggest non-food retailer with the launch of its George brand in homewares.
-
NewsToy market contracts as sales of 'pocket money' products slump
The toy market declined by 1% to £2.9bn last year as sales of lower priced ‘pocket money’ products declined.
-
News99p Stores in Wrexham calls police after 50p Sale attracts hundreds of shoppers
99p Stores in Wrexham was forced to call police after shoppers flocked to its half-price closing down Sale.
-
OpinionComment: UK retail blows hot and cold over Christmas
Figures from the UK Office of National Statistics (ONS) have indicated an exceptionally strong retail performance over Christmas. Some retailers may beg to differ.
-
AnalysisAnalysis: Would it make sense for Tesco to buy Mothercare?
Reports that Tesco considered acquiring Mothercare last year have raised eyebrows across the City. Retail Week takes a look at what the deal might give the grocer.