All articles by Jon Copestake
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OpinionOpinion: AO.com faces challenging investor climate
Solid revenue growth at the expense of profitability is a well-trodden path for young ecommerce firms, so why have AO.com’s numbers been so poorly received?
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OpinionOpinion: What the vote to leave the EU will mean for retail
Despite overwhelming business support to remain in the EU, the UK has voted to leave, which will cause uncertainty for retail.
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OpinionOpinion: Retail heavyweights have a point about Brexit
As the “remain” campaign rolled out more business leaders, the economic argument not to leave Europe is gaining ground.
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OpinionOpinion: Brexit will close a door to the Digital Single Market
Although the impact of a potential Brexit looms large, it is perhaps a debate many retailers are unwilling to participate in
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OpinionComment: More of the same for global retailers in 2015
Despite a gradually improving global picture retail in 2015 will still see a continuation of slow progress for many retail firms.
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OpinionComment: Does Bank’s administration preface a year of consolidation?
Barely a week into 2015 and Bank has already gone into administration, setting a dour tone for what will be a trying year for retail.
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OpinionComment: How sustainable is Black Friday as a retail event?
Black Friday is a big date in the retail calendar. But as sales start earlier and discounting becomes normal will sales fatigue kick in?
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OpinionComment: Can Primark’s US launch succeed where others have failed?
Primark’s deal to lease retail space from Sears in seven US locations follows a well trodden path. Can it succeed where others have failed?
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OpinionComment: Tesco’s One Stop lights a beacon in convenience retail
Tesco’s convenience subsidiary is rolling out beacon technology in a move which could herald a new era of digital retail engagement.
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OpinionComment: Philip Clarke leaves Tesco in unhappy 40th year at the grocer
Dave Lewis will replace Philip Clarke at Tesco this October after the firm registered its worst trading performance in forty years.
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OpinionComment: Je ne regrette rien? Carrefour could rue India exit
For Carrefour to exit a market is nothing new. Even before Georges Plassat began his domestic refocus as chief executive, the firm was no stranger to dropping underperforming markets.
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OpinionComment: Is the Netto deal a gain or loss for Sainsbury's?
Netto’s plan to re-enter the UK market in a joint venture with Sainsbury’s is relatively low risk, but could still prove difficult.
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OpinionComment: Despite optimism, a UK retail recovery remains fragile
Optimism seems to abound about British retail, but talk of a sustained recovery may be premature.
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OpinionComment: Fast times for fast fashion as Inditex and its peers grow
Fast fashion firms are expanding aggressively. With glitzy flagship store openings now commonplace, when will the party end?
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OpinionComment: It’s not plain sailing for luxury groups in China
Despite the obvious ongoing opportunity the global luxury market is becoming more difficult for luxury retailers to navigate.
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OpinionComment: The Ukraine conflict makes Russia even tougher for foreign retailers
As the world continues to mull the geopolitical ramifications of events in Crimea, the business community is also watching carefully.
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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.
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OpinionComment: Retail's New Year hangover
Before Christmas the UK retail sector was in relatively high spirits. After a mixed year forecasts of 3.5% growth promised a record-breaking December in which sales could top £40bn. However, in the cold light of New Year many are facing a reality check.
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OpinionComment: Global retail - what to expect in 2014
2014 will be a year of transition as retailers grapple with evolving channels and markets according to the retail findings of a new report from the Economist Intelligence Unit.
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OpinionComment: What can retailers expect this Christmas?
Retailers and speculators have high expectations for UK sales this Christmas, despite a backdrop of slow wage growth and ongoingausterity measures.