UK retailers experienced a challenging November, with footfall declining for a second consecutive month.Delayed Black Friday discounts contributed to the drop in consumer numbers across high streets, retail parks, and shopping centres.Storm Bert caused significant travel disruptions, further reducing shopper turnout in some regions.Overall confidence among consumers remains low, impacting retail performance across the nation.Retailers now look to Black Friday and Christmas sales to boost figures in the crucial holiday quarter.In November, UK retailers faced difficulties as footfall declined for a second month. Data from the British Retail Consortium revealed a 3.7% decrease in high street visits, with similar drops…
Author: Dave Antrobus
UK retailers are expressing optimism for holiday sales despite November’s troubling trends.Footfall across high streets dropped 3.7% in November, a decline from October’s figures.Retail park and shopping centre visits also decreased, highlighting consumer hesitation.Storm Bert further impacted northern regions, causing additional disruptions for shoppers.Retailers expect Black Friday and Christmas to boost sales, alleviating recent pressures.Retail activity faced a challenging phase in November, with a notable fall in foot traffic. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), high street footfall dropped by 3.7%, worsening from the previous month’s decline of 3.6%. This indicates an ongoing reluctance among consumers to visit physical…
Granada Reports has appointed Katie Walderman as its new co-anchor, marking a significant transition in its flagship evening news programme.This announcement follows closely on the heels of Walderman winning the RTS North West Award for Best Journalist.Lucy Meacock leaves the position after 36 years, having made a remarkable contribution to the industry.Katie’s first appearance as a co-anchor with Gamal Fahnbulleh is set for 2nd December.The appointment is seen as a nod to Walderman’s extensive experience and deep roots in the North West.Katie Walderman’s appointment as the co-anchor of Granada Reports represents a major shift in the programme’s leadership. Her journey…
Urbn, parent of well-known retail brands, has reported remarkable financial outcomes for the recent quarter, marking significant growth and record earnings.Gross profit has shown a notable rise, reaching $497.3 million, an increase of 9.4% year-on-year.Total net sales surged by 6.3%, setting a new benchmark at $1.36 billion, highlighting strong performance across business segments.Sales growth varied among brands, with Anthropologie and Free People experiencing increases, while Urban Outfitters faced a decline.The wholesale sector posted impressive gains, notably driven by Free People’s outstanding 20.3% increase.Urbn, the owner of prominent retail brands, has achieved a record net income of $102.9 million for the…
Raworths Solicitors has capped an impressive year of achievements by promoting two pivotal members of its team.Harjeet Nangla, known for her expertise in employment law, has been elevated to a senior associate role.Adam Colville-Robins, a litigation specialist, has also been promoted to senior associate, enhancing the firm’s legal prowess.These promotions follow a year of growth, including a top Band 1 ranking for Raworths’ corporate and commercial team.Matthew Hill emphasises the importance of investing in team development to maintain high-quality services.Harrogate-based Raworths Solicitors has concluded a remarkable year with the promotion of Harjeet Nangla and Adam Colville-Robins to senior associate positions.…
Liverpool is leading the charge to cut emissions in film and TV production.The city plans ‘plug in’ zones to reduce reliance on diesel generators.This initiative supports Liverpool’s role as a UN Accelerator City for Climate Action.Industry experts highlight the potential for significant carbon reduction.Liverpool’s strategic partnerships aim to set a new standard for sustainable practices.Liverpool is pioneering a significant environmental initiative by introducing ‘plug in’ zones throughout the city. This ambitious plan is designed to reduce film and television productions’ dependence on polluting diesel generators, enabling a direct connection to mains power instead.Such initiatives reflect the ingenuity of the creative…
The Very Group faces significant financial challenges as losses deepen.The group’s pre-tax loss widened to £22.9 million from £5.8 million the previous year.Operating profit decreased by 35%, with a total revenue decline of 4.9% year on year.Very UK’s sales dropped by 3.8%, while Littlewoods’ sales fell 14.4%.Despite difficulties, homeware sales saw a modest increase of 2.8%.The Very Group reported a significant widening in its financial losses for the 13 weeks ending 28 September, with pre-tax losses escalating to £22.9 million compared to £5.8 million the previous year. This period reflects the ongoing economic pressure that has impacted the group’s overall…
Kenji, a British retailer known for its plushies and stationery, is gearing up for a significant expansion.The company plans to more than double its store count in the next year, targeting both UK and international markets.To lead this growth, Kenji has appointed Eddie Shepherd, former CEO of Clintons, as managing director.Key developments include new flagship stores, a revamped store design, and enhanced product offerings.Kenji is also launching a new loyalty scheme alongside a gaming app to engage its customer base.Kenji, although not widely recognised, is a familiar sight on UK high streets through its plushies and stationery ranges. With existing…
Daniel Hulme, co-founder and CEO of Conscium, shares insights on consciousness in AI.Conscium is renowned as the world’s pioneering applied AI consciousness research entity.Hulme believes in the power of expert advice for aspiring founders.He stresses the importance of addressing tough questions about equity early.Misconceptions about AI are prevalent and need to be clarified.Daniel Hulme, a prominent figure in the AI industry, is at the forefront of exploring the intricate concept of consciousness in artificial intelligence. As the co-founder and CEO of Conscium, he leads a groundbreaking initiative claiming to be the world’s first applied AI consciousness research organisation. This bold…
The digital divorce landscape has reached a significant milestone as an online service specialising in uncontested divorces secures regulation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).James Brien, the managing director of Easy Online Divorce (EOD), emphasises that obtaining regulation is not only a testament to the firm’s expertise but also an effort to attract legally qualified professionals. Despite this step, the firm remains focused on uncontested divorces, steering clear of contested cases.EOD was launched in 2020, following Mr Brien’s personal experience with divorce. He reveals that the company’s involvement in a recent investigation by the Competition & Markets Authority highlighted the…