Author: Scott Dylan

Deichmann UK has achieved its highest sales figures ever, demonstrating resilience amidst significant challenges throughout 2023.In 2023, Deichmann UK’s revenue surged to £139.1 million, marking a 14% increase over the previous year.Ecommerce played a vital role, with online sales also growing by 14% during the same period.Strategic investments in marketing have bolstered Deichmann’s brand recognition across the UK.The company expanded its physical presence by opening nine new stores, including its inaugural outlet in Northern Ireland.Deichmann UK’s financial performance in 2023 exemplifies the company’s resilience in a challenging market environment. The company reported a 14% increase in revenue, reaching a record…

Adam Warby steps in as the newly appointed chair of Ocado Group, taking over from Richard Haythornthwaite who is stepping down due to other commitments.Warby will bring experience from his previous roles, including as a senior advisor at KKR and CEO emeritus of Avanade.Beginning 1 December, Warby will assume his responsibilities as chair, joining first as a non-executive director on 1 November.His appointment is seen as a strategic move to drive Ocado’s innovative growth and shareholder value.Warby expresses enthusiasm about joining Ocado, recognising its success and potential for future expansion.Adam Warby, a well-respected figure in the business world, has been…

Frontline workers in retail are crucial yet often overlooked.Despite their importance, investment in their development is lacking.Current training tools are frequently inadequate for their needs.Retail success relies on well-equipped and motivated frontline staff.A recent report highlights essential strategies for improvement.Frontline workers serve as the foundation of the retail industry, playing a pivotal role in customer satisfaction and company success. Despite their centrality, many retail businesses fail to invest adequately in the learning and development of these essential employees. This oversight has implications not just for employee satisfaction, but also for customer experiences and overall business performance.Numerous current training tools available…

The recent Budget announcement brings cost increases and potential reforms for retailers. This first Labour Budget in 14 years includes increased National Insurance and wage hikes impacting the sector.Retailers face an additional cost of £2.3bn in National Insurance contributions from April next year, heavily affecting both large and small employers.The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage will rise by 6.7% and 6%, respectively, adding £367m to employer expenses.Business rates reform promises lower rates for high street retailers but further details remain unclear, sparking industry concern.Measures to tackle retail crime and tax increases on tobacco, vaping, and sugary drinks signal…

John Lewis launches its second series of ads for this year’s Christmas campaign, focusing on thoughtful gifting.The ‘Give Knowingly’ campaign aims to highlight John Lewis as a leader in providing meaningful gifts.Eight films have been created, showcasing a mix of affordable luxury, skincare, and top-tier gadgets.The ad campaign is broad, extending across TV, radio, digital platforms, and more.It follows the earlier ad which reinstated the ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price promise.John Lewis has unveiled the second series of its Christmas advertising campaign, dedicated to promoting the art of giving meaningful gifts. Known as ‘Give Knowingly’, this campaign underlines John Lewis’s position…

Amazon has reported surpassing financial expectations in its third quarter.Profit increased by 54% to £11.85 billion from the previous year’s £7.67 billion.Sales rose by 11% to reach £123 billion, excluding foreign exchange impacts.Amazon benefited from record sales during its recent Prime Big Deal Days event.Tony Hoggett, the grocery head, recently left the company, impacting future strategies.Amazon has demonstrated a remarkable financial performance in its third quarter, significantly exceeding market expectations. The company’s profit has soared by 54%, reaching £11.85 billion compared to the same quarter last year, which saw profits of £7.67 billion. This substantial growth is attributed to strategic…

Sainsbury’s has unveiled its ‘Next Level Sainsbury’s’ strategy aiming to boost profits with a focus on food, loyalty, and efficiency.The strategy builds on the ‘Food First’ plan, aiming to expand full food ranges to more stores across the UK.Sainsbury’s seeks to enhance its loyalty scheme, Nectar, making it more integrated and user-friendly for customers.Argos, part of Sainsbury’s, is set for a transformation to promote frequent shopper visits and wider product ranges.A significant investment is planned, targeting technology and cost-saving measures to fuel future growth.Sainsbury’s new strategy, termed ‘Next Level Sainsbury’s’, emphasises enhancing profitability by prioritising food offerings, loyalty programmes, and…

Very has reintroduced its flamingo-themed Christmas campaign after last year’s success.The campaign is set to appear on screens across the country starting November 1st.In addition to the main campaign, Very has launched complementary initiatives, including a new toys campaign and a ‘Haus of Flamingo’ partywear collection.Very is partnering with ITV and celebrities to address festive shopping challenges.Jessica Myers of Very notes that the campaign’s consistent branding approach significantly boosts customer engagement.Very has decided to revisit and relaunch its distinctive flamingo-themed Christmas campaign, following its highly successful run in the previous year. The festive campaign, which officially began on November 1st,…

Greggs enlists Nigella Lawson for its inaugural Christmas advertisement, highlighting the festive menu.Nigella Lawson describes the “rapturous riot of flavour” in Greggs’ festive bakes, expressing delight in the collaboration.The advertisement showcases a Christmas scene at Lawson’s home with Greggs-themed decorations, and festive menu items, including vegan options.Reports of Lawson declining to promote sausage rolls were denied by Greggs, focusing instead on the broader Christmas menu.This development occurs alongside the release of other seasonal adverts by major brands like Aldi and Morrisons.Greggs has made a notable foray into the world of Christmas advertising, debuting its first-ever festive campaign featuring renowned chef…

Selfridges has unveiled its highly anticipated Christmas window display for 2024, featuring an extravagant array of decorations. The display includes 36,000 baubles, 5 km of garland, and 15,000 LED lights.The theme ‘More the Merrier!’ transforms Selfridges’ Oxford Street facade into a festive wonderland with Santa and his ‘Christmas Crackers’.The elaborate window displays, boasting giant tinsel sculptures, have been in the making for eight months by a diligent team.Selfridges collaborated with various artists and creatives to embody a celebration of imagination and maximalism.Chief Creative Laura Weir expresses excitement about this vibrant celebration, aiming to bring joy and a brighter Christmas to…