All articles by George MacDonald – Page 8
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NewsSupermarkets at risk of closing as a result of business rates rise
More than 100 supermarkets run by big grocers could shut because of government plans to increase business rates, piling futher costs on the industry.
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NewsFrasers call for suspension of Boohoo founder and investigation into loan claims
Tycoon Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has demanded the suspension of Boohoo founder and executive vice-chair Mahmud Kamani and a probe into allegations about loans to suppliers.
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Opinion‘To employee ownership and beyond! The Entertainer’s toy story shows retail at its best’
The entrepreneurs who built The Entertainer into the UK’s biggest specialist toy retailer are transferring ownership to their employees. What a great advert for values in retail, says George MacDonald
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NewsMarks & Spencer raids Asda for top people hire
Marks & Spencer has appointed a new chief people officer who joins from Asda, Retail Week can reveal.
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NewsMarks & Spencer baby club membership beats expectations
Marks & Spencer’s baby club for members of its Sparks loyalty scheme has exceeded expectations.
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Opinion‘As it wins approval for restructuring, River Island still faces fundamental questions’
Any restructuring of River Island will only be a small step towards recovery. The retailer needs to find its sense of purpose, believes George MacDonald
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AnalysisJohn Lewis sprinkles ‘magic dust’ in new-look beauty hall
The beauty market is booming and John Lewis, already a strong player, is determined to build on its position as its new beauty hall in Liverpool shows. Chief commercial officer Vikki Kavanagh showed Retail Week around
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GalleryFirst look: John Lewis kicks off beauty halls makeover alongside Rihanna tie-up
Department store group John Lewis has opened the doors to a new-look beauty hall that will be rolled out across the business and which it described as representing “a new era” in the category
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InterviewTheo Paphitis: I’ve owned Ryman for 30 years, and this is what I’ve learned
Three decades ago, entrepreneur Theo Paphitis bought stationer Ryman out of administration. He built the business up and became one of the UK’s most recognisable businesspeople, but Covid almost killed Ryman.
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NewsTycoon Paphitis sets sights on Ryman Design expansion
Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis aims to build his fledgling Ryman Design fascia into a 30-store portfolio, Retail Week can reveal.
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GalleryStore gallery: Roadchef’s first Farm Shop ‘marks shift in motorway shopping’
Motorway services group Roadchef has opened its first Farm Shop, specialising in local produce.
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NewsJohn Lewis may cut affordable flats development due to delays
Department store and grocery group John Lewis Partnership may cut the number of affordable flats at its build-to-rent scheme in Reading as planning delays and funding demands threaten the viability of the project.
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NewsWeston family member who helped transform Selfridges dies
Hilary Weston, who is credited with playng a key role in the transformation of Selfridges, has died aged 83.
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NewsHarvey Nichols to unveil transformed ground floor in ‘pivotal moment’
Department store Harvey Nichols will reveal the first part of its transformation in the autumn when a “reimagined ground floor retail experience” opens.
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Opinion‘Unemployment fears could weigh on consumers’ minds even more than price rises’
A cautionary comment from fashion powerhouse Next that rising unemployment could be a threat in the months to come will resonate with other retailers, observes Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
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NewsMarks & Spencer claims industry first with kids’ clothing guarantee
Marks & Spencer has launched a one-year guarantee on all children’s clothing.
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NewsCard Factory acquires Funky Pigeon from WHSmith
Card Factory has agreed to buy online greetings card business Funky Pigeon from WHSmith.
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NewsGreggs reports profit fall in challenging market
Food specialist Greggs has posted a fall in first-half profits as tough trading conditions and costs took a toll.
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Opinion‘When Walmart bets big on AI, the rest of retail will surely follow’
Two key hires announced this week show that Walmart is putting AI and front and centre of its business. The Bentonville powerhouse has traditionally led the way in retail, so this could signal the shape of things to come, observes George MacDonald
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GalleryStore gallery: Halfords’ latest new-look store ‘bridges gap’ between retail and services
Cycling and motoring accessories specialist Halfords has opened its latest overhauled branch.