Author: Sam Allcock

Haribo is opening a new store at Bluewater Shopping Centre, marking its first location in the UK outside an outlet.The Bluewater store is Haribo’s 11th in the UK, scheduled to open in early 2025.This new venture follows the brand’s successful Hide N Seekers activation, which featured a large ball pit filled with prizes.Rebecca Fox, Haribo’s UK head of retail, expressed excitement about bringing more joy to Kent with the new store.James Waugh, Bluewater centre director, highlighted the unique shopping experience Haribo will provide.Haribo is set to expand its presence in the United Kingdom with the opening of a new store…

Pour Moi, the lingerie and swimwear brand, has inaugurated a new retail outlet in Kingston Upon Thames.The store, covering 2465 sq ft, is Pour Moi’s fourth physical location, featuring lingerie, swimwear, nightwear, sportswear, and clothing.Founder Michael Thomson emphasised the brand’s commitment to making women feel confident and comfortable.The store includes in-house bra fitters to assist customers with accurate sizing.This opening is part of a broader expansion strategy, as Pour Moi plans more UK locations and partnerships with major retailers.Pour Moi, a prominent name in lingerie and swimwear, has expanded its retail footprint by opening a new store in the bustling…

The November edition of Drapers covers recent transformations in the fashion retail industry, focusing on inclusivity and market trends ahead of Purple Tuesday.Fashion retailers are implementing significant changes to cater to diverse consumer needs, including those of disabled shoppers, marking a £247bn opportunity.H&M’s renewed strategy aims to revitalize its market presence and adapt to evolving consumer demands.An undercover examination of menswear shopping experiences sheds light on current retail practices and challenges.These developments reflect broader trends and business strategies within the retail sector, as captured by Drapers.In the lead-up to Purple Tuesday on 12 November, the fashion industry is actively working…

Burberry makes a significant leadership change by appointing Paul Price.Price previously served in key roles at Burberry, Topshop, and James Perse.His new role will see him oversee merchandising, planning, and more.The appointment follows a series of leadership changes at Burberry.Price expresses enthusiasm for joining Burberry’s next chapter.Burberry has appointed Paul Price as its new chief product merchandising and planning officer, marking another important leadership change under new CEO Joshua Schulman. Price, a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in fashion retail, previously held significant roles at Burberry, Topshop, and James Perse among others, bringing an extensive background in merchandising…

M&S is tackling a £60 million rise in National Insurance without passing costs to consumers.CEO Stuart Machin announced plans to offset the financial impact through cost-saving measures.The recent Budget’s National Insurance amendments present a “double whammy” for the retailer.M&S aims to sustain its improved value perception amidst these financial pressures.The company’s first-half profits have seen significant growth, up more than 17%.Marks & Spencer is addressing a significant £60 million increase in its National Insurance liabilities, a result of recent changes declared in the Budget. The firm’s CEO, Stuart Machin, declared that M&S is determined to manage this fiscal challenge internally,…

The Deskless Report 2024 offers insights into the evolving challenges faced by frontline workers across five key industries.Compared to previous findings, there’s a shift from crisis towards optimism, though underlying issues remain significant.Data reveals that career progression isn’t a universal solution for frontline satisfaction, with immediate needs like stability taking precedence.Empowering managers emerges as a critical strategy to align employee needs with organisational goals, yet many managers are underprepared.Comprehensive insights are provided on how to transform current frontline challenges into future opportunities.The recent release of the Deskless Report 2024 shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape for frontline workers in…

A variety of Christmas advertisements from major retailers are now on display, featuring countless entertaining elements.M&S reprises Dawn French in a festive six-part series, with her as both the Festive Fairy and herself.Sainsbury’s features Roald Dahl’s BFG in a new holiday narrative alongside real-life employee Sophie.Nigella Lawson marks her debut in Greggs’ inaugural Christmas campaign, highlighting festive menu items.Argos presents beloved characters Connie the doll and Trevor the dinosaur in its promotional spot.As the Christmas season approaches, several retailers have begun launching their highly anticipated advertisements. The campaigns highlight an array of elements designed to capture public interest and stir…

The UK technology sector faces uncertainty following Donald Trump’s election victory over Kamala Harris.Potential trade wars and tariffs under Trump’s second term could affect UK tech companies’ growth.Climate tech firms are concerned about Trump’s policies reversing environmental protections.There is optimism in the UK crypto industry due to Trump’s engagement with blockchain initiatives.UK government and tech leaders are preparing for strategic adjustments in response to the US political climate.The election of Donald Trump over Kamala Harris has sent ripples throughout the UK technology sector, prompting a variety of reactions and concerns. This dramatic shift in US leadership comes amidst an already…

The financial forecast for Primark is showing challenges ahead.The Chancellor’s new budget introduces higher national insurance contributions.Primark’s operational costs are expected to rise significantly, affecting profitability.High street businesses will bear the brunt of the increased financial burden.Primark reports recent profit growth, highlighting the looming cost challenges.Primark, under the ownership of Associated British Foods, is poised to tackle a substantial increase in operational expenses, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a hike in national insurance employer contributions. These changes, set to take effect from April 2025, will see contribution rates rise from 13.8% to 15%, significantly impacting business costs.George Weston, CEO of…

Marks & Spencer reports a 4.7% rise in clothing and home sales amid strong half-year group sales.The retailer faces a £120m cost increase due to raised National Insurance and minimum wage changes.CEO Stuart Machin criticises the government for lack of reform in the business rates system.Despite challenges, M&S plans to maintain prices while seeking £500m in structural cost reductions.Online and physical sales performance remains robust, with significant market share growth.Fresh off a 4.7% rise in clothing and home sales in its £6.5bn half-year group update, Marks & Spencer is now contending with £120m in additional expenses due to new Budget…