All articles by Sam Webb
-
AnalysisAnalysis: What happens when retailers get political?
Retailers have traditionally remained neutral on political and societal issues, but times are changing. Should your brands take a stance on contentious matters?
-
AnalysisDelivery subscriptions: growth driver or margin destroyer?
The success of Amazon Prime has led other retailers to follow suit, with delivery subscriptions such as Asos Premier and Next Unlimited soaring in popularity. Customers love them, but are they a boon to retailers?
-
NewsPatisserie Valerie to close Debenhams and Next concessions
Patisserie Valerie is closing concessions in Debenhams and Next stores following its collapse into administration.
-
NewsCotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock stores 'under threat'
The group behind Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock is planning to close stores, it has been reported.
-
News'Several' offers made for HMV, KPMG says
Administrators KPMG today said several offers have been put forward for the 97-year-old high street stalwart.
-
NewsSears chairman ‘buys chain for $5.2bn' in bankruptcy auction
Sears chairman Eddie Lampert has rescued the business after triumphing in a bankruptcy auction with a takeover bid of around $5.2bn (£4bn).
-
NewsM&S trials plastic-free produce with no best-before labels
Marks & Spencer has launched more than 90 lines of loose fruit and vegetables that are free of plastic packaging in a trial at its Tolworth store.
-
NewsWalgreens Boots Alliance and Microsoft unveil partnership
Walgreens Boots Alliance and Microsoft have formed a partnership that they claim will revolutionise healthcare delivery.
-
AnalysisData: Retail redundancy index – job losses mount in 2018
2018 has been characterised by CVAs, administrations and store closures – all of which have taken their toll on the retail workforce.
-
AnalysisAnalysis: Can Timpson's high street report set tills ringing?
Retail industry experts, led by Sir John Timpson, have released a report pushing for a “community-focused approach” to tackle the challenges facing high streets and town centres.
-
NewsTimpson sets out vision for future of town centres
Councils must take the lead on rejuvenating town centres, according to a new Government report led by Sir John Timpson.
-
NewsKroger rolls out its first driverless deliveries in the US
American grocery giant Kroger has tied up with autonomous vehicle firm Nuro to deliver shopping using driverless cars.
-
AnalysisAre retailers facing a nightmare before Christmas?
With even star-of-the-sector Primark warning on “challenging” trading, it hasn’t been the best start to the golden quarter. Are retailers facing a nightmare before Christmas?
-
NewsDobbies profits wither as it plants 'foundation for growth'
Dobbies Garden Centres has announced a droop in full-year sales and profits – but said the results put the retailer in a strong position for growth.
-
AnalysisTop of the pop-ups – which made a splash in 2018?
Traditional retailers and online players are increasingly turning to pop-up shops to create awareness of their brands.
-
NewsThe Fragrance Shop launches 'Sniff Bar' pop-up shops
The Fragrance Shop has launched pop-up ‘Sniff Bars’ in high-footfall locations.
-
AnalysisAnalysis: How can retailers build a global business?
As Kingfisher becomes the latest in a long line of retailers to beat a retreat from international markets, we ask: how do you make it work overseas?
-
NewsHomebase secures £95m loan to finance turnaround
Homebase has secured a war chest to help finance its turnaround plans.
-
NewsPoundland recruits finance and logistics execs
Poundland has announced two new additions to its leadership team.
-
AnalysisBlack Friday – what retailers should expect this year
Black Friday has transformed UK retail in the run-up to Christmas in recent years.