All articles by George MacDonald – Page 2
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NewsShoe Zone suffers fall in profits in challenging year
Shoe Zone has reported lower full-year profits and cautioned that the new financial year is off to a tough start.
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NewsTHG ‘finishes year on a high’ as seasonal sales climb
Health and beauty retailer THG has posted “strong” sales in the final quarter of its financial year.
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NewsThe Entertainer posts Christmas sales rise despite shoppers trading down
Toy specialist The Entertainer has reported an increase in sales over the festive period, although its average transaction size edged down.
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AnalysisTakeaways from Tesco and Sainsbury’s strong Christmas showing
Tesco and Sainsbury’s, which both updated on Christmas trading this week, were seasonal winners as the two food giants won market share in a highly competitive environment.
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Opinion‘In Primark’s bleak midwinter, one guiding star gives hope’
Despite tough conditions, the UK was the standout performer as Primark’s overseas business slumped. Applying lessons learned at home internationally should help the retailer recover, believes George MacDonald
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AnalysisMarks & Spencer Christmas trading – the City reaction
Marks & Spencer’s Christmas trading update is always among the most anticipated in the industry. How did City analysts view performance?
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NewsPrimark reins back expectations after sales in Europe plunge
Value clothing giant Primark has reported tough trading overseas, prompting it to cut sales growth expectations and hit profitability.
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NewsTopps Tiles ‘outperforms’ market as sales rise
The eponymous business achieved a 2% increase in like-for-likes in the first quarter to December 27, helped by a 3.7% advance in its trade business and category extensions. The group, which notched up record revenues in its last financial year, posted revenue growth of 3.7% year ...
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AnalysisExplainer: What is the Zeos platform and how is it helping Next achieve success?
Fashion power Next traded strongly over Christmas, and flagged the benefit of its move onto the Zeos platform as a contributor to success.
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NewsLidl sales and shopper numbers surge over Christmas
Value food retailer Lidl has reported a “record-breaking” Christmas with sales and customer numbers climbing.
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NewsSainsbury’s boss among business leaders recognised in new year honours
Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts was among retailers whose achievements were recognised in the new year honours list.
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NewsCautious consumer mood to linger into new year
Consumers will start 2026 in a downbeat mood amid continued concern about the economy and the cost of living.
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NewsAmazon blocks job applications from suspected North Korean agents
Thousands of suspected North Korean agents have tried to get jobs with online retail and tech giant Amazon using fake and stolen identities.
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NewsFormer Waitrose boss named chief executive of Pets at Home
Pets at Home has appointed the former managing director of Waitrose as its new chief executive.
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NewsDune trading strongly following ‘painful’ period
Footwear and accessories retailer Dune has reported good trading in the autumn/winter period after a fall in sales and profits in its last financial year.
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NewsLookfantastic launches same-day delivery on Uber Eats
Beauty retailer Lookfantastic has unveiled a tie-up with on-demand delivery specialist Uber Eats.
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NewsSales volumes fell in November, ONS finds
Month-on-month retail sales volumes edged down in November but were up year on year, official data showed.
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NewsWHSmith admits ‘much to do to rebuild confidence’ as profits fall
Travel retail specialist WHSmith has reported a slip in earnings after an accounting controversy in the US that cost its chief executive his job.
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Opinion‘Retail’s 12 gifts of Christmas – and beyond’
From keeping the cost of living down for customers to support for all sorts of good causes, retailers’ generosity has once again been unstinting this year. Christmas is the busiest time for retailers, but it’s also an appropriate moment to reflect on the industry’s invaluable role as a force for good.
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NewsWaterstones’ owner prepares for potential IPO next year
A flotation is on the cards next year for bookseller Waterstones and its US stablemate Barnes & Noble.