Retail news

• Diamonds lose their sparkle as prices come crashing down

  25-01-2025 16:00
  
  Lab-grown rocks and fewer weddings have put a huge dampener on the market. On the bright side, a big dazzler is now affordable for manyDiamonds are woven through the tapestry of human history. The ancient Greeks were enthralled by their remarkable hardness. The Koh-i-Noor alone has been at the centre of invasions, murder, superstition and larceny. Millions of marriages have been launched using diamonds as the symbol of their everlasting lustre.So the idea that diamonds might somehow lose their v
  
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• WHSmith in talks to sell its high street chain

  25-01-2025 13:57 via ft.com
  
  Company says it is exploring strategic options but there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached
  
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• WH Smith considers sale of high street business including more than 500 stores

  25-01-2025 13:31
  
  Retailer says it plans to explore ‘strategic options’ for the future of ‘cash generative’ arm of the companyWH Smith is exploring potential options for its high street business, including a sale, the British retailer said.The company was holding “secret talks” about the sale of its entire high street arm, which has more than 500 stores, Sky News first reported on Saturday. Continue reading...
  
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• Gig economy firms warned by UK government they may be operating illegally

  25-01-2025 13:00
  
  Companies supplying ‘freelance’ workers contacted by minister over practices that could breach employment lawGig economy companies supplying “freelance” workers to shops, restaurants and warehouses may be operating illegally, the government has warned, after a series of Observer reports highlighting their use.Justin Madders, the employment rights minister, last week wrote to YoungOnes and Temper, which provide thousands of purportedly self-employed workers to British busi
  
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• WH Smith considers possible sale of its high street business

  25-01-2025 12:02
  British retailer says it plans to explore strategic options for the future of its storesWH Smith is exploring potential options for its high street business, including a sale, the British retailer said.More details soon … Continue reading...
  
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• Fairtrade could help tackle exploitation in UK factories and farms, new boss says

  25-01-2025 08:00
  
  Ethical trade body could ‘offer solutions’ in advising government on protecting workers, says Eleanor HarrisonFairtrade could help tackle exploitation in UK factories and farms – as well as those in developing countries – the incoming boss of the ethical trade body has said.Eleanor Harrison, who in March takes the reins of the group behind the Fairtrade mark which appears on products in shops, has said it could “offer solutions” in advising the UK government o
  
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• Jigsaws get a piece of the action as ‘speed puzzling fever’ grips UK

  25-01-2025 07:00
  
  Entries selling fast for inaugural UK Nationals in Bradford in April, when contestants will race against clockJigsaw puzzling is traditionally considered a relaxing activity associated with mindfulness benefits, but the gentle hobby has gone all Squid Game as competitive “speed puzzling fever” grips the UK.Entries are selling fast for the inaugural UK Nationals event in Bradford on 5 April, when hundreds of contestants will race against the clock to solve never-seen-before puzzles. C
  
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