Debenhams is embarking on a significant international expansion to boost its online presence before the Christmas season.New websites are set to launch in Ireland and Australia, extending Debenhams’ reach to these key markets.The Boohoo Group’s digital marketplace, which includes Debenhams, now hosts 10,000 brands—a major milestone.A new fulfilment service will be introduced, improving logistics and offering next-day delivery options for UK brand partners.This expansion aligns with broader industry trends, as other retailers also plan new platform launches.Debenhams is taking a bold step in its strategic growth by launching international websites in Ireland and Australia. These new digital platforms will be…
Author: Dave Antrobus
The UK has been a nurturing ground for startups, contributing significantly to the economy. However, numerous promising startups leave before scaling up, missing out on local growth.The technology sector in the UK contributes £150bn annually and employs over 1.7 million individuals, with notable hubs in London, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester.Despite its nurturing ground for startups, the UK fails to retain them for long, with many being acquired overseas, particularly in the US.Leading UK tech firms like Darktrace and DeepMind often do not scale up domestically but are acquired by foreign entities.To transform into ‘Scale-Up Britain,’ the government must enhance its…
Next is on the brink of a £1bn annual profit, driven by robust international sales.An 8% sales increase was noted in the first half of 2024, amounting to £2.9bn.Overseas markets, particularly Europe and the US, showed exceptional growth.Next is expanding its premium and affordable luxury offerings to cater to aspirational consumers.There are cautious store closure warnings amidst legal challenges on equal pay.Next is projected to achieve a remarkable £1bn profit this year, bolstered by unexpected sales growth in Europe and the premium fashion sector. CEO Lord Simon Wolfson highlighted this trajectory at a press briefing following the release of the…
Seasalt has appointed Louise Couch, a former executive at Peloton, as its new Chief Financial Officer.Couch will oversee strategy, finance, and global expansion for the brand.Her previous experience includes senior roles at Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan.CEO Paul Hayes lauds Couch’s international market expertise.Seasalt celebrated a record-breaking year, expanding its retail presence in the UK and Ireland.Seasalt has named Louise Couch, a former senior director of international financial planning and analysis at Peloton, as its new Chief Financial Officer. Couch is set to lead the Cornish fashion brand’s business strategy, financial management, and ongoing global growth efforts. Her new role…
Uniqlo has launched its latest store at Coal Drops Yard, marking a significant step in their UK expansion strategy.The newly opened space spans approximately 800 square meters and is housed in a historic Victorian coal drops shed.A unique feature of the store is the Uniqlo Studio, offering recycling, repair and remaking services for garments.British artist Pref has contributed an art mural, reflecting the brand’s inclusive philosophy.A vending machine on the second floor provides an innovative shopping experience for children’s clothing.The international clothing retailer Uniqlo has inaugurated its latest branch at Coal Drops Yard, a strategic move aligning with its expansion…
Retail giant Next might shutter stores following a £30m equal pay tribunal verdict.3,540 female staff won a tribunal case against Next, claiming pay disparity with male counterparts in warehouses.Next plans to appeal the decision, expressing confidence in their legal position despite the possibility of extended legal proceedings.The company highlighted that increased operational costs could render some stores non-viable if the ruling is upheld.Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next, clarified the business’s stance on store profitability amid the industry-wide trend of high street closures.The recent tribunal ruling in favour of 3,540 female store employees marks a significant moment in UK employment law,…
Mars Wrigley UK has announced the return of the iconic Marathon chocolate bar, following a 34-year absence from shelves, stirring nostalgia among the British public.The bar, originally known as Marathon in the UK before a global rebranding to Snickers in 1990, will be available at Morrisons.This limited-time reintroduction celebrates over 90 years of Mars producing chocolate in the UK and is available until December.The strategic rebranding seeks to capitalise on nostalgic feelings associated with the original Marathon name.Previous reintroductions have proven successful, notably in 2019 when 4 million bars were sold in just 12 weeks.Mars Wrigley UK has captivated consumer…
Co-op introduces a progressive initiative to support the development of smaller suppliers through a new accelerator scheme.The scheme is designed to complement the existing Apiary programme, providing additional growth opportunities.Access to learning, mentorship, and buyer support is a cornerstone of the new initiative.Ten innovative suppliers will be the first to participate in this ground-breaking programme.The focus is on increasing diversity and inclusivity among suppliers, particularly those who align with Co-op’s values.Co-op has launched a new accelerator scheme aimed at fostering the growth of smaller suppliers, enhancing its existing Apiary incubator programme. This new initiative marks a significant step in Co-op’s…
The use of AI in insurance poses risks of discrimination, warns FCA chief Rathi.AI enables hyper-personalised insurance plans, potentially affecting consumer accessibility.Concerns arise over AI’s impact on fairness and possible exclusion of consumers.The need for open discussions on AI risks and trade-offs is highlighted.Current examples demonstrate AI’s benefits, yet the acceptance remains uncertain.AI’s integration into the insurance sector brings forth significant risks of creating disparities among consumers. The chief UK financial watchdog, Nikhil Rathi, cautions that while AI technologies can revolutionise financial services, they may also render some individuals ‘uninsurable.’Rathi stresses the importance of responsibly harnessing AI to foster innovation,…
August witnessed a noticeable growth in supermarket sales, primarily driven by favourable weather conditions.Food store sales volumes increased by 1.8% in August, following a smaller rise of 0.3% in July.Enhanced weather conditions are believed to have significantly contributed to this uptick in sales.There was also a 1.4% rise in online sales for food stores, despite overall online retail sales remaining stable.Experts warn that upcoming economic challenges may impact future sales trends.In August, food store sales volumes rose by 1.8%, a significant increase compared to the 0.3% rise observed in July. This growth marks the largest annual increase since July 2021,…