Author: Dave Antrobus
As the festive season approaches, retailers are under scrutiny for hiring practices.Major brands like Lush and Gymshark are using gig contracts for temporary hires.Gig apps such as Temper and YoungOnes facilitate these recruitments through social media.There are rising concerns about the lack of basic employment rights for gig workers.The Trades Union Congress (TUC) highlights the legal ambiguities faced by these workers.A recent investigation has revealed that several prominent retailers, including Lush and Gymshark, have opted to recruit temporary Christmas staff through gig economy contracts. This approach, facilitated by platforms such as Temper and YoungOnes, leverages social media channels like TikTok…
Charlotte Tilbury announces a new flagship store in Covent Garden, opening 9 January 2025.The store will be the largest of its kind globally for the brand.Features include exclusive services like the ‘Skin Spa’ and ‘Pillow Talk Bar’.Founder Charlotte Tilbury calls it the ‘beauty store of the future’.This expansion reinforces Covent Garden’s role in the UK’s beauty and wellness sector.In a significant move, Charlotte Tilbury will open its largest flagship store globally in Covent Garden on 9 January 2025. This new location comes as a response to the brand’s impressive success in the area since its first store launch in 2015.…
Sports Direct has unveiled a significant new location in Westfield White City.The store spans two floors, encompassing 29,000 square feet.It offers a variety of fitness and performance gear from top brands.The location includes unique concepts catering to runners and outdoor enthusiasts.This opening marks a continuation of Sports Direct’s expansion strategy in London.Sports Direct has inaugurated its latest retail space within the Westfield White City shopping centre, a strategic move as part of its ongoing “elevation strategy”. The massive store covers two floors, totalling 29,000 square feet, and features an extensive range of fitness and performance apparel, equipment, and footwear. Brands…
Card Factory reappoints Paul Moody as chair despite diversity issues raised by shareholders.Over 20% of votes opposed Moody’s reappointment at the additional shareholder consultation.Card Factory’s board comprises 33% women, falling short of the 40% recommended.Consultations with primary shareholders revealed four in support of Moody, with no feedback from opponents.Board believes its current skills and experience are aligned with strategic objectives; diversity recruitment not a priority.Despite a notable portion of shareholders expressing dissent, Card Factory proceeded to reappoint Paul Moody as the executive chair. This decision followed a shareholder consultation prompted by the company’s annual general meeting, highlighting concerns regarding the…
A compelling survey has drawn attention to how 25% of parents employ the threat of Santa withholding gifts to manage their children’s behaviour. This method, though popular, raises questions about its effectiveness.Parents often grapple with the challenge of disciplining young children, seeking methods that are both effective and nurturing. As Christmas approaches, the temptation to use festive myths as leverage becomes more pronounced.Understanding Current Parenting TrendsA recent survey has highlighted a fascinating yet concerning trend where 25% of parents of young children resort to using the threat of Santa withholding presents as a tool for managing behaviour. This method underscores…
Frasers Group has secured approval for a new headquarters in Warwickshire.The 275-acre site in Ansty is one of the UK’s largest campus projects.The development will impact the local green belt, raising environmental concerns.Despite opposition, economic benefits were deemed to outweigh ecological harm.Frasers Group’s project includes extensive facilities and will boost local revenue.Frasers Group, known for brands such as Sports Direct and Flannels, has received official backing for its ambitious new headquarters in Warwickshire. Despite environmental concerns highlighted in a recent report, planning officials have recommended the £53.3 million project for approval, emphasising the substantial economic benefits it promises to deliver.Planning…
The festive season, though magical, often brings a surge of stress. Balancing traditions, gifts, and events can be overwhelming, turning joy into fatigue. Insights from experts offer guidance on simplifying holidays. Understanding and managing expectations may pave the way to a more serene and enjoyable season.Diving into expert advice reveals practical approaches to navigate holiday stress. Choices involving traditions, expectations, and family roles shape our festive experience. Embracing simpler pleasures could transform our celebrations, making them more fulfilling and less burdensome.Embrace Essential TraditionsSelecting which traditions hold personal significance can reshape the holiday experience. Traditions, though meaningful, often come with pressures…
Doomerism, a term highlighting collective anxiety over global issues, reflects modern societal stressors amplified through social media. This phenomenon underlines the intensity of feelings concerning the state of the world today.Dr. Chan Hellman notes that in times of adversity, a dismal outlook on the future is common, yet there are ways to address and mitigate these perceptions. The discourse around doomerism offers insights into managing the psychological toll of global crises.Understanding the Rise of Doomer SlangThe term “doomerism” has emerged recently to describe a collective sentiment of despair over global events, a reflection on the world’s state that younger generations…
This week’s UK tech funding round reached £251.8m, marking a 70% increase.Significant investments were made across four major funding rounds.Prominent companies funded include AI firm Nscale and 3D model developer Partful.Investor interest spans a range of sectors, from AI to semiconductors.UK-based tech firms continue to attract substantial financial backing.The UK tech sector witnessed a notable surge in funding this week, with total investments reaching £251.8 million. This represents a remarkable 70% increase compared to the previous week, underscoring the growing investor confidence in the UK’s technology landscape.Among the most significant recipients of funding is Nscale, an AI hyperscaler company based…
In an expansion of retail options, Sainsbury’s has debuted its first airport store at Edinburgh Airport.The new facility is a 2,449 sq ft Local store providing passengers with a range of Sainsbury’s products.Located before security, the store will remain operational 24 hours with a dedicated staff of 26.The launch is part of a strategy to enhance customer experience with convenient shopping options.Feedback from customers will be pivotal in shaping future airport store expansions.Sainsbury’s has made a significant stride in expanding its retail network by launching its inaugural airport store at Edinburgh Airport. The new 2,449 square feet Local store is…
