Castore has appointed Danny Downs as its new chief commercial officer. This strategic move aims to support Castore’s expansion plans.Danny Downs, the former leader at Fanatics International, is set to drive Castore’s commercial operations.Downs brings extensive expertise from his 15-year career in commercial development.Castore co-founder expresses confidence in Downs’ impact on the brand’s growth.Downs is enthusiastic about enhancing team partnerships and business development.Castore, the sportswear brand, has recently appointed Danny Downs as its new chief commercial officer. This strategic appointment aims to boost the company’s expansion efforts, marking an important step in its development journey.Danny Downs joins Castore from Fanatics…
Author: Scott Dylan
Scott Dylan is the Founder of NexaTech Ventures
Juicy Couture makes a remarkable comeback to UK retail, with its new store in Westfield Stratford City after a seven-year break.The new 1,200-square-foot space offers an immersive environment reflecting the brand’s casual glamour.The store incorporates previous Juicy store elements with modern features like graffiti-inspired artwork and neon lights.A special holiday campaign, “Once Upon a Time,” will be highlighted, featuring a mix of early 2000s aesthetic and fairy-tale charm.The reopening marks a strategic shift back to physical retail after past closures due to market challenges.After a seven-year hiatus, Juicy Couture has reopened its doors in the United Kingdom with a new…
Juicy Couture reintroduces its physical presence in the UK with a new store after a seven-year hiatus.The new store is located at Westfield Stratford City, offering a 1,200 square foot experience.The store combines iconic elements with modern aesthetics, including neon lights and a metallic runway.Juicy Couture’s return coincides with the brand’s holiday campaign, “Once Upon a Time”.The reopening marks a significant strategy shift from the previous closure of UK stores in 2017.Juicy Couture has reopened its doors to the UK market with the unveiling of a new store at Westfield Stratford City. This comes after a seven-year absence, marking a…
In a strategic move, Waitrose has expanded its partnership with Caffè Nero by launching coffee shops within select stores across the UK.This development marks a new phase in the collaboration between Waitrose, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, and Caffè Nero, which began in 2021. Originally, the partnership offered My Waitrose loyalty cardholders complimentary hot drinks, an initiative that has since resulted in nearly 25 million hot drinks being served.Last week, five Waitrose stores opened Caffè Nero outlets, integrating the coffee brand’s offerings with Waitrose’s upmarket food menu. The selected locations include Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath, and Stroud. Additionally,…
Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, has called on businesses to focus on solutions rather than complaints following recent budget announcements.Walker criticised fellow retailers for prematurely announcing job cuts and price increases, asserting that these actions are not yet necessary. He noted, “I’ve noticed a flurry of announcements on job cuts, but actually nothing has happened and won’t for a while yet.”Emphasising a proactive stance, Walker highlighted Iceland’s initiative of an interest-free loan scheme through its Food Club. This programme allows customers to borrow up to £100 for food, repayable at £10 per week. He described the scheme as…
Flora, known for its extensive plant-based spread expertise, is aiming to redefine its identity at the age of 60 by branching into new territories. With its transition to a fully vegan brand in 2023, Flora is broadening its reach with innovative dairy-free options and engaging marketing strategies. This evolution is part of a larger rebranding effort by its parent company, now Flora Food Group, to emphasise sustainable, nutritious plant-based foods.Flora has introduced a variety of products, including a plant-based Smoked Garlic butter, which has quickly gained popularity. Ian Hepburn, the UK marketing director, highlights the demand for flavoured butters, foreshadowing…
In the rapidly evolving food industry, a significant challenge faces plant-based brands: the risk of alienating consumers if they fail to focus on taste and performance.Ian Hepburn, the marketing director at Flora Food Group, has highlighted a crucial issue confronting plant-based brands. In an insightful discussion with Grocery Gazette, Hepburn emphasised that brands need to move beyond merely promoting their vegan credentials. He advocates for a focus on delivering products that excel in taste and functionality to maintain consumer interest.Hepburn observed that while the plant-based market initially gained traction by highlighting its vegan aspects, this strategy is becoming less effective.…
Recent insights from industry experts reveal challenges facing plant-based brands as they struggle to maintain consumer interest.Ian Hepburn, the marketing director at Flora Food Group, has issued a cautionary note to plant-based brands, emphasising the need to focus on taste and performance. According to Hepburn, failure to do so risks marginalising these brands within the consumer market.Speaking with Grocery Gazette, Hepburn noted that plant-based products often centre their marketing strategies around the ‘vegan’ label. He argued that this approach does not align with consumer priorities, which tend to focus on taste and functionality. To remain appealing to consumers, brands should…
Brave Bison’s latest acquisition underscores its ambition in sports marketing, securing Engage Digital Partners in a noteworthy £11m deal.Engage Digital Partners enhances fan engagement through digital content, commercial strategy, and analytics, adding substantial value with its global sports clientele.Boasting prestigious clients like Formula 1, ICC, Real Madrid, and New Zealand Rugby, Engage provides 24/7 global service from offices in London, Australia, and India.This alignment will bolster Brave Bison’s sports and entertainment sectors, integrating with SocialChain to expand audience engagement and sports sponsorship activation.Led by existing Engage executives, the merger promises innovative solutions in content, media, and technology for sports federations…
Boohoo is asking shareholders to dismiss Mike Ashley’s board nominations at the upcoming General Meeting.Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) advises shareholders against appointing Mike Ashley as CEO and Mike Lennon to the board.ISS cites possible conflicts of interest and lack of detailed plans from Frasers as reasons to oppose the bid.Boohoo’s board, led by new CEO Dan Finley, aims to enhance shareholder value through a strategic business review.Amidst challenging times, Boohoo’s leadership criticises Ashley’s recent accusations of mismanagement.Boohoo Group has once more asked its shareholders to reject Mike Ashley’s proposed board appointments at the General Meeting scheduled for 20 December. In…