Author: Dave Antrobus

Asda reintroduces former CEO Allan Leighton as executive chair amidst declining sales.Leighton returns to replace Stuart Rose, who remains for a transitional period.Rose, chair since 2021, jointly led with TDR’s Rob Hattrell after Mohsin Issa’s step-down.Leighton led Asda in the late 1990s, significantly boosting its performance then.Recent sales slumps and a £100m budget impact prompt strategic leadership adjustments.Asda has decided to reinstate Allan Leighton, its former chief executive, as executive chair as it navigates a period of declining sales. This weekend saw the changeover, replacing Stuart Rose who has been in the position since 2021. Rose will temporarily remain on…

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H&M has relaunched their Westfield Stratford City store with a pioneering concept.Spanning 5046 square metres, the store offers a reimagined fashion experience.Innovative technologies include interactive fitting rooms and mobile checkouts.A curated range of fashion and home products is now available.The refurbishment highlights H&M’s commitment to enhancing customer experiences.H&M has refurbished its store at Westfield Stratford City, London, marking a new chapter in retail innovation. The 5046 square metre space has been transformed with a digital focus, setting a new benchmark for the brand in the UK. According to Klas Degeryd, head of expansion for the UK and Ireland, the redesign…

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Sealskinz, renowned for waterproof gear, debuts its first store in London’s Marylebone Village.The 1,000 sq ft store spans two levels, housing both the new Vitae clothing line and the running collection.A year after a successful pop-up, the store opens permanently, aiming to extend its reach.Ray Kelvin, known for Ted Baker, leads the brand’s expansion into the fashion domain.Events like running clubs are set to attract a broader audience and foster a community vibe.Sealskinz has officially opened its first permanent store in London’s Marylebone Village, marking a significant milestone for the brand known for its waterproof accessories. This new location comes…

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In response to a growing trend among British consumers seeking comforting meals at home, a major supermarket has introduced a variety of new culinary options across its pizza, Bistro, and Bom Bahia ranges.The newly launched products include four hand-stretched, premium Italian-style woodfired sourdough pizzas priced at £4.75 each. These include Margherita, Salsiccia Piccante & ‘Nduja, Chicken Arrabiata, and Prosciutto Funghi. Kathryn Saveall, a product development manager, expressed pride in these new offerings, noting, “We hope they will give customers a taste of an authentic restaurant-style Italian pizza but without the hefty price tag.” Her personal favourite, the Prosciutto Funghi, features…

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Disney+ unveils the trailer for an insightful Beatles documentary.The footage captures the band arriving in America, igniting Beatlemania.The 4K restoration showcases the Beatles’ cultural impact in the US.Featuring live performances including the Washington, DC concert.Seven American Beatles albums released on vinyl this November.Disney+ has introduced the trailer for ‘Beatles ’64′, a new documentary produced by Martin Scorsese and directed by David Tedeschi. This film offers a compelling look at the Beatles’ first visit to America, a turning point that triggered Beatlemania. Featuring previously unseen footage, this documentary vividly captures the historic moments that defined the era.The documentary begins with the…

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Moss has opened its new headquarters in Camden, marking a significant step in its rebranding journey.Previously based in Clapham, the 13,000 sq ft office move reflects Moss’s modern and omnichannel approach.Six new store locations will debut by Christmas, including notable spots in Newcastle and Cambridge.Moss’s head of visual development highlights the functional yet creative design of the new space.Excitement builds as Moss looks forward to 2025 and further plans for brand elevation.The menswear retailer Moss, formerly known as Moss Bros, has officially opened its new headquarters in a 13,000 square foot space located in Camden. This move from its former…

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Prohibition PR has been chosen to spearhead Potter Space’s PR strategies, marking a significant partnership between the firms.Potter Space owns expansive business parks, positioning Prohibition PR to lead its press office and social media consultancy efforts.Richard Dearden, of Potter Space, praised Prohibition PR for their creative and strategic prowess.Chris Norton from Prohibition PR expressed enthusiasm about aligning with a forward-thinking company like Potter Space.This partnership aims to enhance Potter Space’s market presence within the dynamic sub 100k sq. ft. sector.Prohibition PR has been appointed to manage the public relations initiatives for Potter Space, a company renowned for its vast business…

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Media Concierge proposes a substantial £56.2m offer to acquire National World, intending to expand its media ventures.The takeover bid was pitched on 31st October, highlighting Media Concierge’s strategic interests.Offering 21p per share, this bid presents a 40% premium over National World’s recent closing stock price.Despite repeated attempts, Media Concierge has struggled to engage in substantive talks with National World’s board.This proposal marks a shift in National World’s role from an acquirer to a potential subject of acquisition.On 31st October, Media Concierge made a significant £56.2m offer to acquire National World, a prominent publisher of titles such as the Yorkshire Post…

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Ben & Jerry’s has initiated legal action against its parent company, Unilever, regarding alleged restrictions on its ability to comment about Palestinian refugees amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. This lawsuit highlights a critical debate: should brands engage in political discourse? In 2022, a settlement between Ben & Jerry’s and Unilever recognised the brand’s commitment to social issues, yet tensions have re-emerged as the ice cream company accuses Unilever of breaching this agreement.Former Unilever executive Ian Maskell emphasises that adopting a political stance can strengthen ties with younger consumers who value brands reflecting their beliefs. Brands like Ben & Jerry’s, known…

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Newsquest embarks on a major marketing campaign to expand its digital subscriptions, targeting key local football fans.Introduced a ‘soft paywall’ in 2020, Newsquest’s digital subscribers have now exceeded 105,000.The campaign includes out-of-home advertising and strategic leafleting outside stadiums of popular football teams.Competitions offer enticing prizes such as holidays and football memorabilia, capitalising on football enthusiasts’ interests.The strategy aims to grow both digital subscriptions and overall page views, reinforcing Newsquest’s reach in local news markets.In a significant push to enhance its digital presence, Newsquest has initiated a comprehensive end-of-year marketing campaign. The primary goal is to increase paid digital subscriptions, focusing…

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