More finance – Page 5
-
AnalysisSustainability under the tree: Should retailers counter Christmas consumption with more CSR?
It’s officially Christmas in July, when retailers showcase what they have in store for the festive season. So how will they balance the festive consumption extravaganza with sustainability?
-
Opinion‘Unless Amazon wants to remain a bit-part player in UK grocery, an acquisition would be the likely route’
Amazon’s UK grocery presence amounts to a pimple on an elephant’s backside so, if it wants to grow, a deal would be the obvious option, believes Shore Capital’s Clive Black
-
OpinionExplainer: how business rates may change and what it means for retail
As the government considers business rates reform, BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson looks at the implications – and urges retailers to make their voices heard
-
AnalysisIs the UK on the cusp of a ‘vibecession’?
With inflation climbing, job markets softening and consumer spending cooling despite soaring temperatures, is the UK in a summer ‘vibecession’?
-
Chart of the WeekChart: Food inflation rises for third month in a row
Prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks in the UK rose by 4.5% in June, the fastest yearly increase since February 2024
-
FeaturePull the lever: where are smart retailers finding fresh growth?
From opening new customer segments and sales channels, to expanding overseas and diversifying their offers, Retail Week explores the ways retailers are getting back into growth and highlights some of the biggest success stories so far.
-
Opinion‘If cyber criminals strike, you’d better know how to use pen and paper’
There was great news today as suspects were arrested over cyber attacks on retailers. But there’s no doubt such attacks will continue and there were practical cyber crime takeaways for retailers from this week’s select committee hearing, where M&S directors shared their experience
-
AnalysisCurrys completes turnaround phase as it looks to power ahead
Currys has beaten its annual profit expectations and resumed its dividend payments to shareholders as boss Alex Baldock and co have put their turnaround phase behind them.
-
AnalysisHot or not: Are soaring temperatures really behind Greggs’ unexpected profit warning?
In unexpected news today, high street food-to-go expert Greggs today issued an unexpected profit warning. Is the heat wave really to blame, or is there more than just weather at play?
-
InterviewQ&A: Gousto boss Timo Boldt on riding value, health and convenience into the ‘Champions League of start-ups’
After posting record profits for the 2024 financial year, Gousto chief executive and founder Timo Boldt talks to Retail Week about focusing on the customer, international expansion and the power of convenience and value.
-
InterviewQ&A: ProCook execs on growing through store expansion, product development and tech
Kitchenware retailer ProCook reported on its full-year results this week, with total revenue increasing 11% to £69.5m and underlying profit before tax soaring 50.9% to £1.5m
-
Chart of the WeekChart: Grocers and multiples to burn while Labour fiddles with rates thresholds
Government plans to increase rates on larger properties look to be bad news for supermarkets and larger retail chains in particular
-
Analysis‘Retail with a difference’ – New Halfords boss Henry Birch on his roadmap for growth
Just over two months into the role, Halfords chief executive Henry Birch sees opportunity to make the most of the retailer’s distinctive relationship with customers
-
AnalysisWhy Labour’s promises on business rates reform are falling flat
Ahead of the government’s mooted interim report on the future of business rates due at some point this summer, Labour’s big promises of reform have fallen flat for much of UK retail.
-
AnalysisAroma Zone: The French health and beauty retailer scenting opportunity in the UK
French health and beauty retailer Aroma Zone is the latest international player to sense an opportunity in the UK.
-
Opinion‘Only as good as next day’s trade? That mindset risks putting short-term tactics above long-term strategy’
While many believe the retail and consumer sector is challenged, True’s Matt Truman believes that, with patience, significant investor gains can be made
-
Opinion‘Gone for £1, but Poundland could still coin it in again’
It’s been sold for a quid and restructuring looms, but Poundland’s value for money proposition can still profitably draw in shoppers if it refocuses on traditional strengths, argues Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald
-
Chart of the WeekWhy retail is lagging behind other sectors in AI investment
Data provided exclusively to Retail Week from Quid shows the retail AI use-cases drawing the most investment
-
InterviewInterview: Currys CEO Alex Baldock on the retailer’s full-circuit comeback
Currys continues to cement itself as a leader in the UK’s electricals market, despite recent bouts of low consumer confidence, supply chain issues, economic headwinds and a Budget that was most unwelcome. As its performance improves, chief executive Alex Baldock gives a rare interview and explains why he’s not yet satisfied
-
AnalysisAsda sales fall but Leighton sees ‘green shoots’ as turnaround strategy plays out
As Asda unveils first-quarter trading, chair Allan Leighton talks price-competitiveness, inflation, availability, and George stores’ potential