All articles by George MacDonald – Page 20
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InterviewInterview: Peter Ruis and his mission to make John Lewis ‘radically relevant’
As John Lewis gears up for Christmas, new boss Peter Ruis sits down with Retail Week to discuss the future of department stores and why running JLP will “always been more than just a job”.
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NewsJohn Lewis visits and sales have climbed after price promise relaunch and ad debut
Visits to John Lewis’ website and store sales have risen since the reintroduction of the Never Knowingly Undersold price promise and associated ad, Retail Week can reveal.
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Opinion‘The retail sector can’t rely on Keir to deliver a dose of Christmas cheer’
The new government’s party conference didn’t do much to dispel an atmosphere of doom and gloom. As the golden quarter advances, retailers will need to take a DIY approach to spreading the festive cheer that keeps tills ringing, says George MacDonald.
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Opinion‘Will it be zillionth time lucky for Oxford Street pedestrianisation?’
Previous Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans have come to naught, but retailers will hope that differences this time around may lead to a big enhancement of the under-pressure shopping destination, says George MacDonald
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NewsNike’s chief executive is to step down following tough period
The chief executive of sportswear giant and retailer Nike is to stand down next month and be replaced by a veteran of the business.
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NewsRetail volumes rose in August helped by weather and Sales
Retail sales volumes advanced last month and over 12 months, reached the highest level in more than two years.
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NewsWHSmith has revealed a new tranche of Toys R Us locations ahead of Christmas
WHSmith is set to extend its tie-up with Toys R Us into more stores in time for retail’s peak trading period.
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VideoJohn Lewis premieres ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ ad in early start to Christmas campaign
Department store business John Lewis has unveiled the first in a series of golden quarter adverts, designed to highlight its value-for-money stance and ignite affection for the brand’s “rich heritage”.
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AnalysisProfile: Boots’ new boss Anthony Hemmerdinger – leader with ‘common touch’ who’s come up the ops route
Anthony Hemmerdinger, who is succeeding Seb James as chief executive of health and beauty giant Boots, is very different from his predecessor but shares some of his values.
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Opinion‘As Asda flounders and Aldi’s sales slow, the battle for this year’s Christmas table will dictate grocery success’
The seasonal showdown in grocery may be particularly interesting this year at the value end of the market where Aldi, Lidl and Asda will slug it out amid shifting dynamics, says George MacDonald
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AnalysisReasons to be cheerful at John Lewis as it pulls turnaround levers – but there's a long way to go
If the John Lewis Partnership was a quoted company its shares might have ticked up today as first-half losses were slashed and “significantly higher profits” are expected for the full year.
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NewsSainsbury’s plans to ‘revolutionise’ its commercial systems with a new tech partnership
Grocer Sainsbury’s has unveiled a technology partnership designed to “revolutionise” its commercial systems.
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AnalysisAldi boss Giles Hurley on slower growth, ‘real loyalty’, Christmas prospects and more
Value grocer Aldi achieved record sales last year but some wonder whether its relentless growth can continue.
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NewsThe Body Shop buyer has lined up working capital deal
The expected purchaser of The Body Shop is in advanced discussions to secure new financing as a deal nears.
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NewsConvenience store giant rejects $38bn takeover bid
The owner of c-store powerhouse 7-Eleven has spurned a $38bn takeover bid, but said it is open to further discussions.
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NewsJohn Lewis will revive its famous ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ promise
Department store business John Lewis is to bring back its famous price pledge – ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ – and apply it to online rivals too.
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Opinion‘Oasis surge pricing debacle will stoke wider retail digital price gouging fears’
The appearance of digital labels on retailers’ shelves sounds innocuous but is raising suspicions that it will open the way to dynamic pricing. After the row over Oasis tickets, scrutiny of retailers such as grocers’ use of the technology must only be more likely, cautions George MacDonald
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NewsJohn Lewis reveals plans to turn former warehouse into homes for rent
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has submitted plans to turn a former distribution centre in Reading into rental housing.
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NewsAndy Clarke’s Farmison is beefing up its wholesale business with a top chef tie-up
Upscale online butcher Farmison is targeting wholesale growth and has teamed up with a top chef to create a specialist range for restaurants.
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NewsDobbies likely to seek rent cuts as restructuring advisers drafted in
Garden centre group Dobbies is working on restructuring proposals that may lead to store closures and rent reductions.