Author: Scott Dylan

Apparel Brands has acquired the Leicester-based kidswear label, Hype, aiming to enhance its portfolio in youth fashion.Hype was saved from administration 18 months ago, preserving 82 jobs and highlighting its resilience in the retail sector.Under new ownership, Hype plans to offer ‘stylish, functional and affordable’ clothing for children and teenagers.The focus will be on expanding Hype’s appeal to families by offering trendy and practical options for various occasions.The acquisition represents a strategic move by Apparel Brands to strengthen its position in the market for kids and family fashion.Apparel Brands, a prominent player in the fashion industry, has successfully acquired Hype,…

In recent years, tobacco regulations have tightened across the United States. Despite these restrictions, teenagers still find ways to purchase e-cigarettes online. This issue becomes more prevalent with emerging data. As a result, many are questioning the effectiveness of current laws in preventing underage sales. Vigilance is necessary to enforce these regulations.E-cigarette usage among teens sparks debates on regulatory gaps. Highlighted by a recent study, loopholes in online sales create easy access for underage buyers. While physical stores enforce age verification, this does not always hold for online transactions. With the rise in online shopping, this poses a significant challenge.…

H&M will close its Edinburgh call centre by year-end, affecting 150 jobs.The decision stems from expiring lease and financial pressures.Consultations were held with staff from September to November.Alternative roles reduced the number of redundancies.The call centre will cease operations on 14 December.H&M has announced the closure of its Edinburgh call centre by the end of the current year, which will lead to the loss of approximately 150 jobs. This move comes as part of the company’s decision not to renew its lease at the Waverley Gate office due to expire in 2025.The closure is attributed to increasing competition, evolving customer…

Coggles, a luxury platform, transitions to a digital-only presence as Frasers Group repurposes its physical store for Flannels.Originally acquired by Frasers in June, Coggles’ standalone store in Alderley Edge has been revamped for the Flannels brand.The transformation is part of Frasers’ strategy to expand Flannels’ reach, aiming for wider luxury accessibility across the UK.Frasers’ acquisition includes a strategic partnership integrating financial services within its online platform.David Epstein confirms Coggles’ digital future, managed by a dedicated Manchester team.Coggles, a renowned luxury platform, is set to become online-only, following its acquisition by Frasers Group in June. The shift entails the transformation of…

The UK government is advancing towards digital identification with the new Digital Veteran Card.This card serves as an online alternative to the physical ID for veterans.Announced on Remembrance Sunday, it aims to enhance public service efficiency.The initiative aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation goals.Concerns remain about potential risks associated with digital IDs.The UK government is taking steps to modernise identity verification by introducing the Digital Veteran Card, an online version of the ID that veterans use to access services. This move is part of a wider strategy to integrate digital identification within public services, as announced by the tech…

HMV is taking a significant step by expanding its book selection at the Oxford Street flagship store.This marks HMV’s first major venture into standalone literature offerings within its retail space.A dedicated floor will open on 18 November, featuring a live events stage and a curated book collection.The collection includes both current bestsellers and classic works from various genres.HMV plans to explore further literary expansion across its UK stores.HMV, traditionally known for its entertainment retail, is embarking on a new journey by dedicating an entire floor to books at its Oxford Street flagship store. This move signals the retailer’s first significant…

M&S aims to attract a younger audience by considering Gillian Anderson for their new advertisements.The retailer has a history of collaborating with famous personalities to enhance brand appeal.Britain’s Got Talent star, Skylar Blu, stars in M&S’s 2024 Christmas ad, highlighting festive offerings.M&S reports significant financial gains with increased sales and market share growth over four years.The company’s latest figures show a 17% rise in profit before tax and adjustment items.In a strategic move to captivate younger consumers, M&S has expressed interest in featuring renowned British actress Gillian Anderson in their forthcoming advertisements. The company has a record of associating with…

Boohoo Group’s decision to exclude Frasers Group from upcoming shareholder meetings has raised eyebrows.The meetings were reported to involve Boohoo’s largest stakeholders, excluding the holder of a significant 27% share.A public dispute between Boohoo and Frasers’ founder Mike Ashley has marked recent interactions.The conflict intensified when Ashley criticised Boohoo’s choice of Dan Finley as CEO.Boohoo has stated its commitment to transparency in shareholder engagement, despite the exclusion.Boohoo Group, the fashion retailer, recently made a controversial decision to exclude its largest shareholder, Frasers Group, from upcoming investor meetings. This move was reported by The Times and has since caused a stir…

Asda recently made headlines with its decision to cut nearly 500 head office positions without a prior consultation.The company intends to continue reducing its workforce as part of an ongoing IT overhaul, as reported by The Telegraph.Asda has not disclosed specific numbers for upcoming redundancies but describes the potential impact as “meaningful.”According to Chairman Lord Stuart Rose, these measures aim to eliminate duplication and streamline operations.Despite bypassing traditional consultation, Asda asserts that higher compensation packages were offered to affected employees.In recent developments, Asda has come under scrutiny for executing significant job cuts at its head office without engaging in the…

M&S is awaiting a crucial decision on its Marble Arch store redevelopment.Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will decide on the planning proposals.Stuart Machin of M&S plans to expand with ten additional stores.The proposal includes demolishing existing buildings for a new ten-storey structure.M&S previously won a legal challenge against the planning decision block.M&S is on the brink of discovering whether its ambitious redevelopment plans for the Marble Arch store will proceed, a pivotal decision that hinges on Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner. Her decision, expected by 5 December, will determine the fate of the £600 million project aimed…