All articles by Nick Huber
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AnalysisDesigner outlets
As London’s first designer outlet hoves into view we assess their popularity, the retailers that use them and how they’ve fared during the recession
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News
Fiscal cuts spell five-year spending ‘crisis’
The Government’s fiscal austerity programme will create a five-year “crisis” for UK retailers as consumers rein-in spending amid tax rises, wage stagnation and low levels of savings, according to a report that draws lessons from the recessionary experiences of overseas retailers in the 1990s.
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AnalysisThe arts and crafts market
Trend-watchers might dispute the reason why, but the figures show that hobbies, arts and crafts are enjoying a huge revival in popularity
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NewsAsda income tracker: UK families' discretionary income falls for 8th consecutive month
UK families’ discretionary income fell for the eighth consecutive month in August amid rising inflation and modest wage increases, according to figures from Asda.
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NewsSales climb for Zara-owner Inditex
Inditex, the Spanish fashion retailer that owns Zara and Massimo Dutti, grew half-year sales by 14% while making its debut in India.
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NewsUK economy to grow slightly faster than predicted this year, says CBI, but warns of weaker growth in 2011
The UK economy will continue to grow slightly faster than previously expected this year, although growth next year will be weaker than previously forecast as consumer spending weakens, the CBI has predicted.
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NewsNew Bond Street Europe’s most expensive retail address
London’s New Bond Street has overtaken the Avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris as the most expensive retail address in Europe as luxury fashion stores jostle to open new stores in the area.
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NewsRetailers start raising prices ahead of VAT increase
Retailers are beginning to put up prices before the rise in VAT in January as they prepare for significant inflation next year.
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NewsJJB Sports poaches Ben Sherman international retail director
Embattled sports retailer JJB Sports has appointed Ben Sherman international retail director Kate Hayes as its trading director to help drive its turnaround strategy.
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NewsVodafone linked to Phones4U sale
Vodafone has been touted as a possible buyer of Phones4U, the high street mobile phone retailer.
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NewsConsumer price inflation flat
Consumer price inflation remained unchanged in August at 3.1% although there were significant upward and downward pressures between July and August, according to the Office for National Statistics.
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NewsEuropean shoppers want more locally-sourced food
Half (49%) of shoppers in four European countries including the UK expect to buy more food and grocery products with “ethical credentials” in the future, according to new research published by IGD, the food and grocery analyst.
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News
Consumer confidence jumps in September
UK consumer confidence recorded a surprise jump to its highest level since January 2008 in September.
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NewsAlexon slumps into loss
Womenswear group Alexon Group has reported a pre-tax loss and said recent trading had been “challenging”.
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NewsCBI survey finds September retail sales flat
Retail sales were broadly flat in the year to September and are expected to remain unchanged in October, according to the CBI Distributive Trades Survey.
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News
Pawnbroker Albermarle & Bond thrives in the recession
Pawnbroker Albermarle & Bond said it plans to open new stores and add new services after it reported a 42% rise in full-year profit, lifted by a new gold purchasing service and strong sales.
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NewsTesco ‘in talks to sell £400m property portfolio’
Tesco is reportedly in talks to sell a £400m portfolio of properties to a newly formed investment company seeking to take advantage of the opportunities of the recent falls in the value of UK commercial property.
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NewsLaura Ashley finance chief quits
Laura Ashley has said its chief financial officer and company secretary is to resign from the furniture and homeware retailer for personal reasons.
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NewsAd campaign to lift Woolworths profile
Home shopping giant Shop Direct Group is to launch an ad campaign to promote the Woolworths online brand in the run-up to Christmas, one year after the famous high street chain collapsed.
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NewsIdeal Shopping Direct losses flat in first half
Ideal Shopping Direct, the home shopping group, reported a pre-tax loss for the half-year but said a strategic review had helped stabilise the business and move it closer to profitability.