Author: Scott Dylan

Frasers Group unveils its latest flagship store in Sheffield’s Meadowhall, marking a significant step in phasing out the House of Fraser brand.Spanning 100,000 square feet, the ‘next-generation’ store incorporates diverse departments including fashion, beauty, and homeware.The venture introduces a unique beauty hall and the largest Frasers Home concept, enhancing the shopping experience.A strategic partnership with Pret-a-Manger is featured at the store entrance, offering convenient food-to-go options for shoppers.Sports enthusiasts are catered for with a 55,000 square foot area dedicated to major sports brands and innovative concepts.Frasers Group has officially opened its latest flagship store in Sheffield’s Meadowhall, as it continues…

The Co-op has demonstrated financial resilience in the face of adversity, returning to profits in the first half of the year.Shoplifting and fraud have cost the Co-op nearly £40m, yet the group’s pre-tax profits have surged to £58m.Sales in the food business have risen slightly, despite the challenges present in the broader market.The Co-op’s commitment to paying the Real Living Wage has contributed to increased operating costs.Membership growth is on the horizon, as the group sets ambitious targets for expansion.The Co-op’s financial performance for the first half of the year showcases significant recovery, with group pre-tax profits reaching £58 million,…

The Co-op has successfully returned to profit in the first half of the year despite a sharp increase in shoplifting costs.Shoplifting and fraud have increased by 19% costing the Co-op £39.5 million.Group pre-tax profits rose to £58 million, overturning a £33 million loss from the previous year.Sales in the food segment have increased by 3.2% to £3.7 billion, with a significant rise in operating profit.The company plans to open 120 new stores by the end of 2025, aiming to expand its member base.The Co-op has made a remarkable turnaround, swinging back into profitability in the first half of the year.…

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a social media advert for Nike trainers, citing misleading content.The advert appeared on the platform formerly known as Twitter, advertising Nike trainers for £26 with limitations on sizes.Complaints were upheld due to the ad’s failure to clarify that the trainers were meant for older children or limited adult sizes.Both Nike Retail and The Sole Supplier acknowledged the commercial relationship but defended the ad by highlighting consumer assumptions.The ASA concluded the advert’s omission of material information was misleading and advised against future appearance in similar form.The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has taken action against…

Mayor Andy Burnham warns of a transport crisis in the North without HS2.The northern leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester has been scrapped.Burnham criticises the government’s decision, urging for a revised plan.He suggests a Midlands-Northwest Rail Link as a cost-effective alternative.Concerns grow over transport infrastructure as West Coast Main Line reaches capacity.Mayor Andy Burnham has highlighted a looming transport crisis in Northern England, following the government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of the HS2 project connecting Birmingham to Manchester. Burnham has issued a stark warning about the implications of this decision, labelling it as potentially catastrophic for the…

The UK’s economic growth forecast for 2023 has doubled from previous estimates, signalling a surprising upward trend.The Bank of England’s cautious interest rate adjustments are projected to gradually lower rates to 3.5% by 2025.The Chancellor is pressed by experts to amplify public investment to sustain growth, with assurances against austerity measures.Consumer spending growth remains minimal, influenced by past economic disruptions such as the pandemic and energy crises.Labour leader highlights the need for critical economic decisions amidst efforts to address a significant fiscal deficit.The United Kingdom’s economic landscape is evolving with a promising forecast as gross domestic product (GDP) is now…

In a recent response to the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s proposed fining guidance, the Birmingham Law Society (BLS) has voiced strong objections, describing the strategy as a problematic ‘Robin Hood’ approach.The BLS has criticised the SRA’s methodology of calculating fines based on the income of firms and individuals, likening the approach to the infamous historical figure who redistributed wealth. According to the BLS, the fines should correspond to the severity of the breach rather than the financial status of the entity involved. The committee categorically stated, ‘A fine is like any other sanction. It must fit the seriousness of the breach.’The…

Marking a significant move in the meat retail sector, Tesco has introduced its first-ever Finest Steakhouse range.The range is set to feature as a dedicated display in the meat aisles of over 150 Tesco stores.Customers will find an array of offerings including single and sharing steaks, alternative mains, and premium sides.A total of 23 new products have been developed specifically for this launch.The steaks are exclusively British Aberdeen Angus, dry-aged for up to 35 days.In a move that is set to elevate the at-home dining experience, Tesco has unveiled its inaugural Finest Steakhouse range. This addition will feature prominently in…

In a strategic investment move, Next has acquired a 16% stake in the innovative homeware and lifestyle brand Rockett St George.Next’s £800,000 investment signifies a strengthening relationship following previous product collaborations.The investment includes appointing a Next director to Rockett St George’s board, potentially influencing future decisions.Rockett St George eyes expansion with new funds, planning to broaden both its product range and customer base.This acquisition is part of Next’s trend of strategic investments, following increased stakes in both Reiss and FatFace.Next has taken a bold step by acquiring a 16% stake in Rockett St George, a decision costing £800,000, reflecting its…

ScS has made the strategic decision to discontinue its Snug sofa-in-a-box brand as part of a broader business overhaul.Acquired less than two years ago for £875,000, Snug will cease taking new orders but will honour existing commitments.This decision aligns with the new owner’s strategy, Poltronesofà, to focus on a different business model.Snug was notable as Europe’s first modular, reconfigurable sofa-in-a-box brand, launched in 2018.The brand’s closure follows Poltronesofà’s earlier step to cease ScS’ flooring and carpeting range.ScS has announced the closure of its Snug sofa-in-a-box brand as part of a strategic shift by new owners, Poltronesofà. The decision follows less…