Waterstones is set to make a significant return to the renowned Oxford Street in collaboration with John Lewis.The new bookshop will occupy a space on the second floor of the John Lewis flagship store, offering nearly 20,000 books.This re-establishment marks Waterstones’ return to a location it vacated in 2016, where it once had four stores.The collaboration is seen as a strategic alignment with shared customer values between John Lewis and Waterstones.Both brands express enthusiasm for the new venture, which aims to enhance customer experience.Waterstones is poised to reopen its doors on Oxford Street, this time as part of a collaborative…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Boohoo is undergoing significant changes, marked by strategic reversals and financial challenges.The closure of Boohoo’s US distribution centre is expected to cost at least £34m, a reversal from its previous plans.The fast fashion retailer also faced setbacks in the UK, with warehouse closures threatening jobs.Competition from Shein and financial strain, including debt management issues, add to Boohoo’s challenges.Boohoo seeks to improve operations with leadership changes and a focus on customer-centric strategies.Boohoo has announced the closure of its US distribution centre in Pennsylvania, a move that CEO John Lyttle originally described as a ‘gamechanger.’ This strategic reversal comes just a year…
Ocado debuts ‘Ocado Ads’, a retail media service aimed at enhancing brand growth and customer experience.Ocado’s new venture promises “measurable growth” through tailored advertising solutions.The service includes campaign management, utilising Zitcha’s platform for advertisements across various channels.Ocado Ads integrates with the Beet platform for insightful analytics and testing capabilities.This initiative positions Ocado as a leader in retail media, aligning with growing industry trends.Ocado has unveiled a retail media service named Ocado Ads, signifying a significant shift in its business strategy. The service is designed to help brands drive measurable growth by providing relevant advertising and a personalised shopping experience. By…
Many small business owners hesitate to utilise business coaching due to cost and scepticism, yet it offers substantial benefits.SFE Services, a Buckinghamshire-based company, significantly benefitted from employing a business coach.The importance of choosing the right coach and maintaining transparency is emphasised.Setting clear goals and accepting feedback are vital to the coaching process.Regular communication and openness to change can drive positive transformation.Many small business owners often hesitate to employ the services of a business coach, owing to concerns about costs and doubts regarding the tangible benefits a coach might provide. However, the 2020 ICF Global Coaching Study reveals an average return…
New research highlights a concerning gap in soft skills among young people entering the UK workforce, impacting communication, resilience, and problem-solving.Employers are significantly prioritising soft skills over hard skills, with nearly double the emphasis on teamwork and communication compared to technical abilities.The communication shortfall is evident, particularly among Gen Z, with many avoiding phone communication and, alarmingly, some preferring exclusive emoji use.Lack of formal education and employer support in soft skill development is exacerbating the problem, with many young workers feeling unprepared.Soft skills are critical, not only for current jobs but also for future careers, particularly in an AI-dominated landscape.Recent…
Convenience stores have become a focal point for supermarket chains, leading to a significant increase in openings.In the first half of 2024, convenience stores experienced substantial growth, with over 85 new locations established.Major grocery chains are shifting priorities towards smaller, more accessible store formats.Consumers’ demand for convenience and variety drives structural changes in retail spaces.The retail industry is investing heavily in store innovations and energy efficiency measures.Convenience stores are witnessing remarkable growth within the retail sector, being one of the few categories to consistently expand with more than one store opening each week in 2024. This trend is reflected in…
The high street faces significant challenges as nearly 40 stores shut each day in 2024, data shows.Research by PwC indicates a rise in daily store closures from 36 last year to 38 this year.New store openings lag behind closures, with only 25 stores opening daily on average.Value retailers and convenience stores buck the trend with notable growth, adding over one store per week.The net closure rate has stabilised, but stakeholders must support revitalisation efforts.Recent data reveals a troubling trend for the high street, with an average of 38 stores closing each day throughout 2024. This increase from the previous year’s…
DC01UK has announced plans for a substantial data centre in Hertfordshire.The project is slated to be one of the largest in the UK upon completion.DC01UK is a collaboration between Griggs Group and Chiltern Green Energy Ltd.Plans include transforming a nearby pub into a technology hub.The centre could start operating by 2029, generating extensive economic benefits.A company known as DC01UK has revealed its intention to construct a massive data centre on an 83-acre site in Hertfordshire. This project is anticipated to become one of the UK’s most significant data centres, with a planned operational date of 2029.DC01UK, established in 2022, has…
Andy Slaughter, a prominent barrister and former shadow justice minister, has been appointed the new chair of the Justice Select Committee.The Labour MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, Andy Slaughter, emerged victorious with 400 votes against Mike Tapp’s 149. Tapp, a recently elected Labour MP, previously served in the intelligence corps, the National Crime Agency, and a counter-terrorism position at the Ministry of Defence. Slaughter succeeds Sir Bob Neill, who stood down after a distinguished tenure as the Conservative chair.In his speech, Slaughter expressed concern for the state of the justice system, describing it as a ‘neglected public service’ under successive…
The Co-op is significantly enhancing its member offers, with a threefold increase in deals.Over 100 new offers are set to roll out monthly until the end of 2024.Deals cover both branded and own-brand products, rotating every three weeks.New promotions include the £5 Freezer Filler and Fresh Three on fruit and veg.Adele Balmforth emphasises value as a key priority for the retailer.The Co-op has announced a substantial increase in the number of member deals available, marking a notable expansion in its promotional strategy. This initiative involves over 100 new offers being introduced each month, continuing until the end of 2024. This…