Author: Sam Allcock

Recent data from NIQ highlights Lidl’s growing advantage over Aldi.Lidl’s sales increased by 8% over 12 weeks ending 15 June.Aldi saw a 1% decline in revenue, facing tough comparisons.Market share for Aldi dropped from 10.8% to 10.4%, while Lidl’s rose to 7.6%.Both retailers attract new shoppers but average spend per visit dropped.Recent data from NIQ has revealed a notable shift in the competitive landscape between major discounters, Lidl and Aldi. According to the analysis, Lidl has demonstrated a significant surge in sales, marking an 8% increase over the 12-week period ending 15 June. In contrast, Aldi’s revenue has declined by…

Shoplifting in Scotland has surged to its highest level in a decade, prompting concern from the Scottish Retail Consortium.A total of nearly 40,000 shoplifting incidents were reported for 2023-2024, marking a 35% increase in a single year.The increase in shoplifting has been a consistent trend since 2014, with a noted dip during the Covid-19 pandemic.Retailers are spending record amounts on crime prevention but still face rising thefts, negatively impacting shop workers.Political parties are making commitments to tackle shoplifting, highlighting its growing importance as a policy issue.Shoplifting in Scotland has reached an unprecedented level, with the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) voicing…

This weekend witnessed significant developments in the business sector, with key announcements from prominent figures and companies.Dame Sharon White announced her departure as John Lewis partnership chair, highlighting the company’s resilient recovery.John Lewis plans a major £1bn investment in store refurbishments and new openings to strengthen its market position.A legal battle between Shein and Oh Polly over copyright issues reaches the English High Court, posing challenges for Shein.The British Fashion Council expresses concerns over Shein’s IPO, raising questions about its business practices.Dame Sharon White, during an interview with The Telegraph, declared that “John Lewis is back on track” as she…

The GFK Consumer Confidence Index marks a modest improvement, climbing three points to -14, yet stays in negative territory.This marks the third consecutive month of increased consumer confidence, attributed to optimism about the UK’s economic outlook.Despite improvements, the unrelenting cost of living crisis continues to impact overall confidence, according to GFK’s client strategy director.While the personal financial situation index remains unchanged, there is a notable increase when compared to the previous year.Predictions for the UK economy show significant improvement, although the savings index has experienced a decline.The latest GFK Consumer Confidence Index reveals a slight three-point increase in June, reaching…

Footasylum is expanding its presence with a new store opening in Aberdeen this September, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy.Located in Aberdeen’s Union Square, the store occupies a prime ground-floor unit alongside notable neighbours like Superdry and Superdrug.The 7,000 sq ft space will offer an extensive range of branded streetwear, enhancing the shopping experience for local customers.This expansion reflects Footasylum’s broader strategy, following recent flagship and upsized stores in major UK locations.A robust year reported by Footasylum with a 38% EBITDA rise, underscores the company’s growth momentum.Footasylum is set to continue its expansion with a new store in…

Adobe’s generative AI-powered features now enable users to edit images within Acrobat. These features include generative fill, background removal, erase, and crop tools, which allow users to add, remove, or enhance content in document images. Acrobat users can also generate and add images created using the company’s in-house developed Firefly Image 3 model. The company stated that it has added new features to the Acrobat AI assistant, which helps users ask questions, gain insights, create content, and obtain meeting transcripts. These features are compatible not only with PDF files but also with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, text files, and other formats.…

Flannels’ partnership with Sellier signals a growing trend in accessible luxury.Luxury reseller Sellier has transitioned its successful pop-ups in Glasgow and Liverpool into permanent concessions.Nearly £500,000 in sales were generated by the Glasgow and Liverpool pop-ups within six weeks, highlighting demand.A new permanent retail space is set to open in Flannels’ Belfast store, expanding their collaboration.This partnership aligns with Flannels’ goal to provide regional access to luxury brands such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton.Flannels’ recent collaboration with Sellier marks a significant shift towards making high-end fashion more accessible across the United Kingdom. Following successful seasonal pop-ups, Sellier has now established…

London Fashion Week spring/summer 2025 has been rescheduled to occur earlier than previous years.The shift is to prevent schedule conflicts with Milan and New York Fashion Weeks.The British Fashion Council (BFC) coordinated the new dates with international fashion authorities.The revised schedule intends to benefit designers with greater trade exposure.Celebratory events are part of London Fashion Week’s 40th anniversary.London Fashion Week for the spring/summer 2025 season has been strategically rescheduled to occur from 12 to 17 September. This adjustment was made to prevent any overlap with Milan Fashion Week, which starts immediately after on 17 September at 3 PM. By scheduling…

Anya Hindmarch has been awarded the title of Dame in the King’s Birthday Honours for significant contributions to fashion and business.Anya Hindmarch is celebrated internationally, particularly for her iconic British-inspired bag designs.Alongside Hindmarch, notable figures such as Stuart Vevers and Gordon Brown have also been acknowledged.Previously, Hindmarch’s innovative work earned her a CBE, underlining her impact on the industry.Her latest ventures include regaining control over her label and launching a new shopping village.Anya Hindmarch has been elevated to the status of Dame in recognition of her substantial contributions to the realms of fashion and business. Hindmarch’s accolade in the King’s…

In a significant development, Hush’s Chief Financial Officer, Don Davis, has announced his departure from the company after over three years of service.Davis took on the role at Hush in March 2021, bringing valuable experience from his previous positions at Asos and Homebase.Following Davis’s exit, Rebecca Scott has been appointed as the new Chief Trading Officer, enhancing the company’s executive team.Scott joins Hush from Sephora UK, where she held the CFO position, and brings extensive experience from her roles at Feelunique and Halfords.This leadership transition reflects strategic shifts within Hush to bolster its financial and trading capabilities.In a recent announcement,…