All articles by Nicola Harrison – Page 103
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NewsProperty deals tempt H&M into out-of-town store growth drive
Swedish fashion giant H&M is pushing into out-of-town locations as it takes advantage of newly available space and attractive property deals for its continued UK expansion.
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News
MPs pass bill targeting illegal downloaders
The controversial Digital Economy Bill designed to curb online piracy was forced through Parliament last night.
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NewsCard Factory to be sold to Charterhouse
Card Factory is poised to be sold to private equity firm Charterhouse for more than £350m, sources familiar with the situation have told Retail Week.
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NewsSmall retailers oppose call for longer Boxing Day trading hours
The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has rejected the need for a relaxation in Sunday trading laws that would allow retailers to trade for longer on Boxing Day this year.
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NewsTory plans ‘do not include an increase in VAT’
The Conservative Party has insisted that it would not need to increase VAT in order to cut the deficit if it forms the next Government as Prime Minister Gordon Brown is today expected to confirm that the next general election will be held on May 6.
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NewsCath Kidston confirms sale and lays out international expansion plans
Cath Kidston has confirmed it has been bought by TA Associates as it lays out plans for international expansion.
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NewsLaura Ashley profit rise driven by strong UK performance
Home furnishings and fashion chain Laura Ashley’s group pre-tax profit climbed 7.8% to £11m in the year to January 30, driven by a strong performance in the UK.
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Analysis
An Easter battle come rain or shine
Recent unpredictable weather has only heightened pressures on the DIY sector and an Easter washout could spell disaster. Nicola Harrison looks at retailers’ fightbacks and asks if the looming price war will help
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NewsBrand overhaul on the cards for Clinton
Greeting cards retailer Clinton Cards has embarked on its biggest ever portfolio and branding review that could result in a “complete change” in the look and feel of its stores.
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NewsWickes to cash in on MFI gap with new-format trial
DIY retailer Wickes is opening standalone kitchen and bathroom stores to expand geographically and soak up market share left by MFI’s collapse in 2008.
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NewsBlackwell narrows losses but suffers from ‘unprecedented’ discounting from rivals
Updated: Academic books retailer Blackwell has narrowed its operating losses from £11.3m to £10.2m in the year to June 27 but is conducting a further review of the business against a backdrop of increased competition from online booksellers and supermarkets.
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NewsBarclays eyes Poundland
Poundland has received an expression of interest from Barclays Private Equity to buy the retailer for around £200m, according to The Independent.
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NewsIsraeli cosmetics chain Laline targets UK via Land Securities tie-up
Israeli cosmetics chain Laline is on the hunt for stores in the UK as part of a deal with landlord Land Securities’ Brand Empire venture.
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NewsFormer Asda chief Tony DeNunzio installed as Pets at Home chairman
Pets at Home has hired former Asda president and chief executive Tony DeNunzio as its non-executive chairman to help drive growth under its new owner, private equity firm KKR.
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AnalysisDean and Janet Hoyle: the husband-and-wife team behind Card Factory
The unassuming husband-and-wife team behind Card Factory has turned it into a winning business with a £350m price tag.
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NewsBlockbuster UK insists it has a future despite US struggles
The boss of the UK arm of embattled US DVD rentals chain Blockbuster has vowed that the retailer has a future and is not seeking to exit large swathes of its 638-store portfolio.
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NewsCarpetright profit warning sparks fears for home sector
Carpetright issued a profit warning on Tuesday, reigniting fears in the home and furniture sector that shaky consumer confidence will prevent shoppers spending in 2010.
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NewsFocus close to signing first ‘compact’ store
Focus DIY is poised to sign its first small-format store as it vowed not to be drawn into the DIY price war gripping the sector.
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NewsGame reshuffles management team
Game has reshuffled its management team to “strengthen the group’s offer in the UK and around the world”.
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NewsKingfisher full year profits surge 49%
DIY giant Kingfisher’s adjusted pre-tax profits surged 48.6% to £547m in the year to January 30 but the retailer remains cautious on the outlook.