All articles by Mark Faithfull – Page 5
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NewsAsda latest retailer to launch financial services
Grocery chain Asda is launching a financial services business this week targeted at the 18 million people who shop at Asda’s 542 stores every week.
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AnalysisRetailers get set for the Games
In a bumper summer featuring the Jubilee celebrations and football’s Euro 2012, the Olympics should still top the bill. Mark Faithfull looks at how some retailers are presenting the Games in store.
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NewsSir Philip Green threatens Asos with legal action over Topshop branding
Arcadia tycoon Sir Philip Green has rounded on online fashion rival Asos over its use of Topshop branding on its website, warning that he will sue the company if it does not stop taking “unfair advantage of our trademark”.
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NewsLiberty opens at Westfield Stratford City
Luxury department store Liberty today opened its first shop outside of its iconic store on Great Marlborough Street in central London with a shop in Westfield Stratford.
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AnalysisHalfords: What the analysts say
Halfords is looking to “evolve” its strategy in the new financial year after posting group pre-tax profit down 26.6% to £92.2m for the year to March 30 amid concerns that the tough economic climate has impacted motorists and the weather has dampened cycle sales
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AnalysisSupermarkets: Realigning store spend
Tesco will not take January’s profit warning lying down and as it reappraises its store offer the implications will be felt across the grocery sector. Mark Faithfull looks at how supermarkets are realigning their store spend.
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Analysis
Retail developments: Reigniting stalled schemes
The freeze in the development pipeline has switched the focus from the UK’s biggest retail centres to those that are under-served. Mark Faithfull considers some of the opportunities around the country.
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AnalysisRetailers and landlords: Lease conflict time bomb
Retailers and landlords remain in disputes over pre-packs, downscaling, and now monthly rents. Meanwhile, a lease time bomb is ticking, warns Mark Faithfull. However, it could spell good news for retailers.
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AnalysisStore design: Innovative lighting strategies
As a sector that can genuinely claim to be in the midst of revolution, lighting strategies have been transformed by technological innovation, but it’s not all about LEDs as Mark Faithfull discovers.
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AnalysisThe race for space
Development of major new retail space has all but stalled, leaving UK retailers chasing a dwindling supply of large, prime space. Mark Faithfull asks whether the imbalance will force expansion strategies to change.
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AnalysisDesigner outlets: Design of the times
Designer outlets have been a standout success during the downturn but with the UK being Europe’s most mature market, the sector is having to evolve to meet consumer requirements. Mark Faithfull reports.
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AnalysisThe big picture of development
The scale of development in the UK and the rest of Europe is polarising. With a handful of plans for mega schemes in the pipeline, and other boutique and niche projects being pushed forward, Mark Faithfull considers whether the middle ground has been squeezed out.
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AnalysisLondon 2012: will retailers benefit?
You don’t need a ticket to gain extra sales from this year’s Olympic Games but, as Mark Faithfull reports, not all retailers stand to benefit from the events taking place in the UK this summer.
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AnalysisParks and recreation
Harvester pub restaurants, banks and ‘health villages’ are popping up where once stood DIY stores and furniture shops. Mark Faithfull asks what such changes mean for the world of retail parks
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AnalysisHow can in store music increase sales?
Forget piped muzak, audio in the retail space can be honed to reflect the brand, enhance the customer experience and reinforce consumer aspirations, promoting higher sales – so long as it’s done right, warns Mark Faithfull
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AnalysisThe innovation generation
Tough times in the retail sector have undoubtedly reduced R&D budgets but the industry continues to prove itself capable of genuine innovation. By Mark Faithfull
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AnalysisThe floor is all yours
Floor coverings might not be the first thing a retailer thinks about when envisaging a shiny new store format or reviving a tired shop, but few elements of a store interior can make such a dramatic difference or enable a store to hit this year’s on-trend quite so definitely.
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NewsWestfield reveals plans for £1bn White City extension
Consultation on Westfield’s plans for a new £1bn mixed-use quarter directly to the north of the Westfield London shopping centre in White City, west London, has begun.
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NewsUsdaw to raise concerns about Life & Style with Government
Shopworkers union Usdaw is writing to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to detail concerns over the running of fashion and homewares chain Life & Style and its predecessor company Ethel Austin.
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NewsHard-pressed shoppers turn to cash and debit cards
Cautious customers are turning from credit cards to cash and debit cards to better manage their finances research from the BRC showed.