Breakfast briefing: Amazon, BHS and more

Rising costs hit Amazon’s third-quarter profits

Amazon has reported a lower third-quarter profit owing to a 31.5% increase in total operating expenses, the BBC reported.

The company's expenses increased to $10.94bn as it invested in Amazon Web Services, expanded its Prime programme internationally, built up its warehouse and delivery infrastructure and increased its original video output.

Amazon's quarterly revenues jumped 29%. Its net income rose to $252m (£207m), from $79m a year earlier. 

Amazon has forecast net sales of between $42bn and $45.5bn for the fourth quarter.

BHS.com to unveil its first clothing range

The new BHS.com will launch its first clothing range that will include “small number” of men's and women's items, Belfast Telegraph reported.

The children's range will be launched on November 11. The check shift dress will cost £30 and the long jersey maxi skirt will cost £25. A few of the best-selling items from the old BHS will also be a part of the new business.

BHS buying director Sara Bradley said: "The collection is very tight but we will be adding collections regularly to expand the offer including children's character products and women's day to evening partywear in autumn/winter."

Debenhams hires ex-BHS lighting buying team

Debenhams has hired BHS’s former lighting buying team to boost its homeware department, The Guardian reported.

The department store is launching lighting departments in 30 stores in an attempt to take control of a market once led by BHS.

The department store has recorded strong growth in beauty products, homewares and in its dining areas, whereas its clothing sales were hit.

The chairman of Debenhams, Sir Ian Cheshire, said the “pot of cash” that consumers used to spend in BHS will be distributed elsewhere.