Retail news

• Kier's rights issue flopped, but why? The answer is Brexit

  20-12-2018 21:07
  Brexit chaos has weighed heavily since Kier announced its plans to raise £264m 21 days agoWell played, Kier Group. It is one of the few companies that can say it got value for money from the banks and brokers who underwrote its rights issue.Put another way, the construction firm’s £264m fundraising was a spectacular flop. Only 38% of shareholders wanted to buy the new shares, and most of those investors were on the hook, morally speaking, after promising to cough up at the end
  
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• Consumer confidence hits five-year low as Brexit uncertainty bites

  20-12-2018 20:12
  GfK index shows most of fall fuelled by fears for economy rather than personal financeConsumer confidence has slumped to a five-year low as Brexit uncertainty left shoppers fearing for the stability of the UK economy in the months ahead.The GfK index, which is used by the European commission to judge consumer confidence, fell to -14 in December, down from -13 in the previous month and -10 in October. Continue reading...
  
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• Pier 1 Imports faces worst day since 2008

  20-12-2018 18:06 via ft.com
  Company says exploring strategic alternatives, announces chief executive departure
  
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• National clean-up day recommended to bolster UK high streets

  20-12-2018 15:37
  Experts urge government to take ‘robust steps’ to support struggling retailersA government-backed report into the UK’s beleaguered high streets has recommended a national town centre clean-up day and local reviews of parking charges in an attempt to bolster trade at local shops.Retailers also called on the government to provide “real support” for the industry though wholesale reform of business rates – a tax levied on commercial properties – which many i
  
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• Was a 'sexy cow' logo the real downfall of a New Jersey ice-cream shop? | Gene Marks

  20-12-2018 13:00
  Dairy Air Ice Cream Co shuttered a year after deciding not to rebrand over public pressure – but the ‘sexy cow’ probably wasn’t the reason for closure
  It’s an issue that has vexed small business owners since the beginning of time: how do you make your business stand out among your competitors? The owners of an ice-cream shop in New Jersey thought they came up with a brilliant branding idea. It was something unique, innovative, creative and memorable. Why not create
  
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• Black Friday fuels UK sales rise

  20-12-2018 12:55
  Quantity of goods bought last month up by 1.4% compared to OctoberHeavy discounting by online retailers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday fuelled a sharp rise in sales during the second half of November, according to official figures.Bargain sales of 4K TVs, laptop computers and high end smartphones proved irresistible during the twin discount shopping days ahead of the Christmas season. Continue reading...
  
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• UK retail sales rise more than expected in November

  20-12-2018 10:41 via ft.com
  Black Friday promotions drew shoppers into bricks and mortar and online stores
  
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• Vodafone launches new 'customer hub' on London's Oxford Street

  20-12-2018 08:35 via theretailbulletin.com
  Vodafone has opened a new experiential store on London’s Oxford Street as the company looks to offer customers more than a traditional retail environment.
  
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• Pets at Home appoints first chief information officer

  20-12-2018 08:35 via theretailbulletin.com
  Pets at Home has appointed William Hewish to the newly created role of chief information officer.
  
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• Joe Browns celebrates strong sales in run-up to Christmas

  20-12-2018 08:35 via theretailbulletin.com
  Joe Browns has reported 24% year-on-year growth in sales for the this year’s autumn/winter season.
  
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• The future of omnichannel retail

  20-12-2018 08:33 via theretailbulletin.com
  If you’re working in omnichannel retail, you won’t want to miss Retail Bulletin's Omnichannel Futures Conference on 6 February where we’ll be talking about the future shopper and technology trends that will drive the retail revolution even further.
  
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• Rowdy with a chance of meatballs: New Zealand in frenzy at arrival of Ikea

  20-12-2018 05:24
  After years of rumours, the Swedish furniture store will open its first outlet in the countryNew Zealanders have been whipped into a frenzy by the news that Swedish furniture giant Ikea will be opening a store in their country, after years of rumours and speculation.Foreign minister Winston Peters quickly took credit for the news, saying he was sure his decision to open an embassy in Stockholm had played a part.IKEA opening announcements under National: 0IKEA opening announcements under Labour:
  
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