Next is significantly expanding its presence at Bluewater shopping centre, aiming to enhance its product range for customers.The new site will span 133,000 square feet, replacing the current 44,600 square foot store, utilising the former House of Fraser space.This expansion supports Next’s omnichannel approach, offering clothing for all ages, homeware, and a café.In conjunction, Bath and Body Works will relocate to a nearby 2,000 square foot store, enhancing its accessibility.This initiative follows multiple new store openings at Bluewater, including brands like Sephora and Bershka.Next is undertaking a substantial expansion at Bluewater shopping centre, moving into a 133,000 square foot location…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Next is significantly expanding its presence at the Bluewater shopping centre, transitioning to a much larger retail space.The retail giant will relocate from a 44,600 square foot store to a massive 133,000 square foot site.This new location will support Next’s omnichannel strategy, including fashion lines and a café.Next is also bringing the US brand Bath and Body Works to a neighbouring store.The expansion is part of a broader strategy following a successful sales increase.Next is making a strategic move by upsizing its store at Bluewater shopping centre. The new store will occupy a 133,000 square foot site which previously housed…
Topps Tiles has encountered financial setbacks, reporting a notable pre-tax loss amidst declining demand.The company recorded a £16.2m pre-tax loss for the fiscal year ending 28 September 2024, a significant change from a £6.8m profit the previous year.A non-cash impairment of £19.4m, mainly concerning right-of-use assets, heavily influenced the statutory loss.Sales to trade customers proved more resilient compared to those to homeowners, reflecting a shift in market demand.Modest sales growth has begun in the new financial year, aided by favourable year-on-year comparisons and a strong trade offering.Topps Tiles has reported a substantial financial downturn, attributing it to weakened sales as…
Allan Leighton returns to Asda as executive chair, succeeding Stuart Rose.Leighton previously turned Asda around in the 1990s with Archie Norman.Leighton commits to a three to five-year turnaround plan for Asda’s struggles.Asda faces market share decline amid sales fall and operational challenges.Observers optimistic but cautious about Leighton’s ability to rally Asda.Allan Leighton, a veteran in the retail sector, has been reappointed as the executive chair of Asda, succeeding Stuart Rose. With a history of leading Asda from 1996 to 2001, Leighton is credited with pulling the supermarket chain back from near-insolvency to a profitable sale to Walmart. Now, decades later,…
Allan Leighton is back at Asda, taking over from Stuart Rose as executive chair.Leighton is recognised for transforming Asda in the late 1990s, but challenges remain.The supermarket battles declining sales, ownership changes, and IT issues.Leighton aims to boost Asda’s market position over the next three to five years.Can old leadership tactics revive the supermarket’s fortunes against strong competitors?Allan Leighton, renowned for revitalising Asda between 1996 and 2001, now steps back into a leadership role as the supermarket’s executive chair. He replaces Lord Stuart Rose amidst Asda’s current struggles. The task of recovery is significant, with Asda having experienced a decline…
Sosandar has experienced a notable 27% reduction in sales over the recent six months, reflecting a major shift in its pricing strategy.The fashion brand’s pre-tax losses decreased by 50%, indicating a significant improvement in financial health, despite lower sales.Sosandar’s transition away from frequent promotions has led to a robust gross margin increase, highlighting improved profitability.Newly opened physical stores have drawn substantial foot traffic, with a noteworthy portion of in-store purchases made by new customers.Partnership expansions and future projections reveal a positive outlook, reinforcing Sosandar’s strategic direction.Sosandar, a prominent player in the fashion retail sector, has undergone a transformative phase marked…
Sosandar has experienced a significant shift, witnessing a 27% decline in sales over the past six months, while simultaneously improving its profitability.The company’s decision to move away from frequent discounts and encourage full-price purchases led to a noticeable impact on revenue.Despite lower sales, Sosandar reported a narrowed pre-tax loss, showcasing improved financial health and cost management.The retailer opened four physical stores in the UK, which attracted considerable foot traffic and boosted brand visibility.Sosandar continues to strengthen its partnerships with major retailers, a strategy that aligns with its evolving business model.Sosandar has undergone a notable transformation in its sales approach, resulting…
AO has raised its full-year forecast, reflecting strong performance in profits and sales.The company expects adjusted profit before tax between £39m and £44m, driven by a 30% rise in the first half.Total revenues increased by 6% to £512m, highlighting robust business dynamics.Key developments include expanding its membership base and launching new solutions.Anticipates £12m in additional costs due to recent UK Budget measures.AO has reported optimistic projections for the full financial year, underpinning its performance through a notable increase in both profits and sales. The company’s adjusted profit before tax is now foreseen to be in the range of £39 million…
Halfords faces a challenging period with flat sales and rising costs, urging government action on apprenticeships.The company’s first-half results show a 1.4% drop in pre-tax profit, highlighting economic strains.Amid a troubled cycling market, Halfords sees growth in its Autocentres division as a positive note.The recent UK Budget has imposed significant cost pressures, which the company aims to mitigate.Halfords plans to expand its Fusion Motoring Services despite short-term economic uncertainties.Halfords is experiencing a period of economic challenge, marked by stagnant sales and mounting cost pressures. The company’s leadership is calling for crucial reforms to the apprenticeship levy as a way to…
In a notable shift within the legal industry, fee-share law firms have outpaced traditional practices in lawyer recruitment as per the recent data.New research highlights a significant trend in the legal sector: fee-share law firms are outstripping traditional firms in terms of growth. During the first half of 2024, two fee-share firms recruited more lawyers than any traditional firm. This trend is a stark contrast to the ‘magic circle’ firms, which faced a substantial outflow of lawyers, indicating potential burnout or career realignments.According to the data, Setfords topped the recruitment chart by hiring 58 lawyers, while Taylor Rose, which operates…