All Series: City Insider articles – Page 8
-
OpinionComment: Will there be appetite for a McColl’s float?
Now that the retail sector temperature can be measured in the wake of the bulk of the January trading statements, a variety of privately held retailers are considering whether to float.
-
OpinionComment: It’s hard not to admire Sports Direct
The news that Sports Direct acquired a 4.63% stake in Debenhams last week week was eclipsed by the fact that the company then decided to sell the shares. This, along with an option contract, could eventually see Sports Direct take almost 7 per cent of the department store chain.
-
OpinionComment: For Next, imitation may offer more than just flattery
Next, the UK’s second largest clothing retailer, has raised its profit forecast following strong Christmas sales.
-
OpinionComment: Next makes money in the middle market
Next was very much in fashion with shoppers over Christmas, when it posted better than expected sales.
-
OpinionComment: A new year brings new opportunities for retailers
The New Year is often portrayed as an opportunity for a fresh start. As such, rather than focusing on the retail failures of 2013, why not take a look at the successes of some of last year’s more innovative retailers instead?
-
OpinionComment: Christmas has come early for Dixons this year
Along with all the year-end festivities going on this week, it seems like UK retail has something else to celebrate: the complete turnaround of Dixons.
-
NewsComment: Sports Direct has a lot to play for
Soaring sales and a double-digit rise in profits might reasonably be expected to be cause for celebration.
-
OpinionComment: High street retailers are feeling the property pinch
Most people won’t be surprised to hear that the Government’s high street rescue plan seems to have fallen rather flat.
-
OpinionComment: Are retailers becoming media companies that happen to sell products?
Tesco was back in the news this week, after Philip Clarke once again claimed that the grocer’s strategy will ultimately lead it to success – despite its third quarter like-for-like fall in sales.
-
OpinionComment: McColl’s must highlight its USP in competitive market
Convenience store specialist McColl’s has joined retailers including Ao.com, Poundland and Pets at Home with its ambition to float on the stock market.
-
OpinionComment: The Autumn Statement needs to go beyond easing business rates
Growth is firmly on the agenda for George Osborne’s much anticipated Autumn Statement next week and the Chancellor is under increasing pressure to ease business rates on the high street.
-
OpinionComment: Occa aims to emulate Asos
While big retailers that are likely to attract big valuations rush to market, there’s action at the other end of the scale too.
-
OpinionComment: The retail competition for transport hubs has begun
This week it was revealed that London Underground will offer a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays from 2015.
-
OpinionComment: Majestic Wine sparkles - can other retailers do the same this Christmas?
Majestic Wine’s interim results showed their customary sparkle as sales and profits advanced again.
-
OpinionComment: Will 2014 see the return of the retail IPO?
The past few months have seen a string of retailers hint at the possibility of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2014.
-
OpinionComment: How Matt Davies put petrol in Halfords’ tank
What difference does it make if 19 seconds are cut from a Chip and PIN transaction time? If there’s not much going through the tills it amounts to the square root of very little.
-
OpinionComment: Big Brother really is watching at Morrisons
Morrisons has recently teamed up with Telefónica Dynamic Insights, the data arm of the O2 mobile network, to target consumers who shop at other grocers.
-
OpinionComment: Will Jim McCarthy stay at Poundland after an IPO?
Corporate action is on the cards at single-price retailer Poundland. An IPO is widely expected by City observers.
-
OpinionComment: The grocery battle heats up as Lidl and Aldi target more affluent customers
Discount supermarket chain Lidl has launched its first television advertising campaign in the UK in its latest attempt to grab middle class shoppers from the likes of Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
-
OpinionComment: Matalan’s Sporting Pro could be an interesting rival to Sports Direct
Matalan has just revealed that its first Sporting Pro store is to open in central London next month - the first of 14 new shops due to open before Christmas.