Author: Sam Allcock

Zalando is making strides to become a pan-European ecommerce leader by acquiring About You.The proposed offer is €6.50 per share, a 12% premium on About You’s current stock price.Key stakeholders representing 73% of About You’s shares have agreed to sell to Zalando.Zalando and About You envision unique yet complementary B2C and B2B operations post-acquisition.The transaction is anticipated to significantly enhance customer and partner experiences across Europe.Zalando is poised to expand its ecommerce footprint across Europe through its strategic acquisition of the German online fashion platform, About You. The retailer has announced its intention to offer €6.50 per share, which stands…

Zalando is acquiring About You to expand its European ecommerce reach.The offer values About You at €1.1 billion, with a 12% premium per share.Major shareholders, holding 73%, have committed to the sale.Management of About You supports shareholder acceptance of the offer.The deal combines Zalando’s and About You’s B2C and B2B strengths.Zalando is acquiring About You for €1.1 billion in a strategic move to enhance its European ecommerce platform. By offering €6.50 per share, Zalando provides a notable 12% premium above the current stock price, underscoring its commitment to this significant investment.Zalando has secured agreements from major shareholders of About You,…

The anticipated RLUSD has received a nod from the New York State Department of Financial Services, paving the way for its imminent market entry. This stablecoin, backed by Ripple, is set to enhance cryptocurrency transactions.Ripple’s journey into the stablecoin market marks a strategic move to capitalise on the growing demand for digital financial solutions. With RLUSD, Ripple aims to redefine cross-border transactions and liquidity improvements, creating excitement among stakeholders.Ripple Set to Launch RLUSDIn a recent announcement on X, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, confirmed the prestigious New York State Department of Financial Services has officially approved RLUSD. This approval signifies a…

Victoria Asare-Archer discusses the British countryside’s role in the new Netflix series.Asare-Archer aims to challenge the ‘urban bad, country good’ cliché with a dark narrative.Filming locations include Bolton and Manchester’s iconic sites, adding authenticity.Key cast members introduced, with Rosalind Eleazar leading as Detective Kat Donovan.The series is set to premiere on Netflix on January 1, 2025.Victoria Asare-Archer, a prominent figure in television writing, has been instrumental in adapting Harlan Coben’s novel ‘Missing You’ for Netflix. Her creative vision focuses on using the British countryside, which she finds both beautiful and haunting. Asare-Archer remarks, ‘I live in the countryside, so the…

CTI Digital has collaborated with Chester Zoo to launch a new website, marking a significant development in the zoo’s digital evolution.The redesign is part of a broader strategy to enhance user engagement and streamline visitor experience.Built on Umbraco Headless technology, the site integrates modern UX principles to reflect the zoo’s conservation mission.The website aims to engage, educate, and provide an immersive experience for over two million yearly visitors.This project underscores the longstanding partnership between Chester Zoo and CTI Digital.CTI Digital, based in Manchester, has recently launched a new website for Chester Zoo, a renowned conservation and educational institution. This initiative…

Nick Morley steps up as CEO at Manchester’s adtech firm Lunio, succeeding his role as board chair.Morley is tasked with leading Lunio’s growth and expanding its reach in the market.Lunio focuses on combating invalid traffic, a costly issue for businesses globally.The company raised $15 million in Series A funding last year.Founders express confidence in Morley’s vision to drive Lunio’s future development.Industry veteran Nick Morley has shifted from serving as the board chair to taking on the role of CEO at Manchester adtech Lunio. With extensive experience in leading go-to-market strategies, Morley is now at the helm of driving Lunio’s growth…

Skims, founded by Kim Kardashian, is negotiating the acquisition of a prime retail location in London.The former Ted Baker site on Regent Street has been vacant since August, after Ted Baker closed its UK stores.Should the deal be finalised, it would mark Skims’ inaugural physical store in the UK.Skims’ growing global presence includes partners like Harrods and Selfridges in the UK.The brand, valued at £3.1 billion, continues to expand internationally with new stores in the pipeline.Skims, a shapewear brand established by Kim Kardashian, is reportedly exploring the acquisition of a significant retail property in London. The location in question is…

Labour’s Budget has sparked a wide range of reactions from retail leaders.Several CEOs, including John Roberts of AO World, express concern over rising costs.Andrew Murphy of The Entertainer reassesses growth plans due to budget impact.Michael Murray from Frasers highlights a blow to consumer confidence.Some, like Jollyes’ Joe Wykes, support the Budget as a challenge to innovate.Labour’s recent Budget, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has elicited strong reactions from the retail industry, with increased National Insurance contributions and new packaging levies topping the list of contentious issues. These measures have provoked a mix of condemnation and cautious support from various industry…

As the festive season approaches, Majestic anticipates a dramatic surge in champagne sales, forecasting one bottle sold every five seconds throughout December.This prominent wine retailer, known for its expertise in offering exclusive brands, foresees a rise in demand particularly for brands like Boizel, Bouvet, and Cattier. Traditionally, about 40% of the annual champagne sales take place in November and December, making this a crucial period for the industry.Alongside champagne, Majestic predicts a significant interest in Rosé, English wines, orange wines, and beverages from regions such as Greece. An impressive growth of 25% is expected in Rosé sales, surpassing last December’s…

A Dubai-founded creative agency is making waves with its new Manchester office.The agency boasts offices in Dubai, Riyadh, and London, indicating strong international roots.Key clients like adidas, Hugo Boss, and Apple highlight the agency’s impressive portfolio.Leaders express enthusiasm about Manchester’s unique creative energy and talent.Operations in Manchester are set to commence immediately, marking a new phase of growth.Them Again, an independently owned creative agency initially founded in Dubai, is making strategic moves by opening a new office in Manchester. This expansion reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to cultivate creativity and deliver outstanding work across the United Kingdom.Already established in major…