Author: Dave Antrobus

Frasers Group reveals its largest combined Sports Direct and Frasers store in Sheffield’s Meadowhall.The new store occupies the former Debenhams site, revitalising the 100,000 sq ft retail space.Frasers aims to draw in both young and mature audiences with diverse brand selections.Sports Direct offers an extensive range of sportswear and interactive shopping experiences.The opening is part of Frasers Group’s ongoing modernisation and expansion strategy.Frasers Group has unveiled its largest combined Sports Direct and Frasers store at Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre. This marks a significant development, transforming the space previously occupied by Debenhams into a dual-floor retail destination with a Frasers concept…

Dash Water anticipates its first-ever profit in 2024, aiming for sales of £35m.Victoria Beckham collaborates with Dash for ‘Posh’ branded cans for Paris Fashion Week.The brand’s growth strategy includes a stand against artificial sweeteners in soft drinks.Co-founder Jack Scott envisions Dash competing with global giants like Coca Cola and Pepsi.Dash Water infuses its products with wonky fruits, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.Dash Water, a rapidly growing brand in the beverage industry, is set to record its first pre-tax profit of £74,900 in 2024. The company has projected annual sales to hit an impressive £35 million. This financial achievement marks a…

Next expands its portfolio by acquiring a 16% stake in Rockett St George for £0.8 million.This acquisition follows successful collaborations between the two brands, showcasing Rockett St George’s unique style.A representative from Next will join Rockett St George’s board, facilitating collaboration.The investment will enable Rockett St George to widen its product range and reach.This move is part of Next’s broader strategy of strategic acquisitions across various brands.Next has expanded its diverse brand portfolio with a strategic acquisition of a 16% stake in Rockett St George, a distinctive homeware and lifestyle brand, for £0.8 million. The acquisition is seen as a…

With over 150 MPs actively involved, pressure mounts on Asda to address gender pay disparity.159 MPs have addressed Asda’s majority owners, urging resolution of the gender discrimination case in its second phase.The unresolved pay discrepancies could mean Asda retail workers are owed over £2 billion in backdated pay.Asda, defending its pay structure, asserts the differences stem from industry sector requirements.The outcome could significantly impact over 60,000 employees, amid heightened political and legal scrutiny.Over 150 Members of Parliament have stepped into the ongoing gender pay dispute involving Asda, reflecting growing political pressure on the retail giant. In a letter signed by…

Dune London has relocated within Lakeside Shopping Centre.The new retail unit measures 1,597 sq ft, a significant increase.The store features a modern retail format enhancing visibility.A CEO statement highlights customer experience improvement.The brand’s physical presence spans several international markets.Dune London, an established name in the footwear industry, has strategically moved its location within the renowned Lakeside Shopping Centre to accommodate a larger, more prominent retail space measuring 1,597 square feet. This relocation marks a significant expansion from its previous 1,055 square-foot store, which had been a fixture in Lakeside since 1997.This store upgrade is designed not only to provide increased…

Recent data highlights a significant increase in disposable income for UK households amid easing inflationary pressures.August saw a 12% year-on-year increase in disposable income, according to Asda’s Income Tracker.The average UK household now enjoys a disposable income of £247 per week, surpassing pre-crisis levels.Food and drink inflation has slowed to 1.3%, contributing to increased spending power.Despite improvements, low-income households continue to face financial challenges, with a weekly shortfall of £66.Recent findings indicate a notable improvement in the financial standing of UK households, as evidenced by a 12% rise in disposable income year-on-year for August. This marks the fifth consecutive month…

Seasalt has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Louise Couch as the new CFO.Louise Couch brings extensive experience from her previous roles at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Peloton Interactive.Couch will play a critical role in shaping Seasalt’s financial and global expansion strategies.The appointment signifies a strategic strengthening of Seasalt’s senior leadership team.Paul Hayes, CEO of Seasalt, expressed confidence in Couch’s ability to support the brand’s growth ambitions.Seasalt, a prominent clothing and lifestyle brand, has appointed Louise Couch as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as…

Mars Wrigley UK is set to revitalise the chocolate market with the temporary reintroduction of its Marathon bar, drawing on widespread consumer nostalgia.The Marathon bar, which made its initial debut in 1967, will temporarily grace Morrisons’ shelves, reviving fond memories for many.This limited re-launch marks Mars Wrigley’s homage to over 90 years of crafting chocolate in the UK.Despite its rebranding to Snickers in 1990, the original Marathon name has sustained a loyal fan base.Previous limited releases, such as the one in 2019, proved highly successful, moving over 4 million bars within just 12 weeks.Mars Wrigley UK is reinvigorating the confectionery…

Co-op has announced an accelerator scheme to support smaller suppliers.The programme will run alongside the existing Apiary incubator scheme.It is designed to promote brand diversity and inclusivity.The scheme offers masterclasses, networking, and mentoring for participants.Ten innovative suppliers will join the inaugural wave later this year.Co-op is unveiling a new accelerator programme aimed at supporting smaller suppliers in their growth and development. This initiative will complement the existing Apiary incubator scheme, which assists suppliers at the start of their retail journey. The new programme is an effort to further encourage diversity within the brand offerings and ensure inclusivity across suppliers.The accelerator…

The return of warm weather has led to a notable increase in supermarket sales across the UK in August.Sales volumes in food stores climbed by 1.8% in August, following a slight increase of 0.3% in July.UK supermarkets have been the primary beneficiaries of this sales surge, according to new data from the ONS.Online sales in food stores also saw an uplift, registering a growth of 1.4% in August.Industry experts highlight that consumer spending may face challenges later in the year due to escalating living costs.In August, UK supermarkets experienced a significant boost in sales volumes, recording a 1.8% increase. This…