Author: Scott Dylan

John Lewis unveils its enhanced Oxford Street store, infused with new energy after a £6.5m investment.The flagship will trial innovative concepts as part of a broader £800m revamp across its estate.A significant expansion of the beauty department introduces 175 brands and private treatment rooms.Fashion collaborations introduce high-end collections, boosting John Lewis’s style credentials.Revamped home, electronics, and culinary sections redefine customer experience at the upgraded store.John Lewis has unveiled its revamped Oxford Street flagship, revitalising every floor following a £6.5m investment. Executive Director Peter Ruis highlights the renewed “buzz” in the store, poised as a testing ground for innovative concepts ahead…

The innovative move by M&S aims to streamline the shopping experience by integrating self-checkouts into changing rooms, reducing the need for additional queues.M&S has announced plans to implement this technology across more than 100 stores by early 2028.Sacha Berendji, the operations director, emphasised the effort to enhance customer convenience and choice in the shopping journey.Concerns about potential shoplifting have been addressed, with provisions for staff oversight.The overall store revamp includes improvements to home, food, and clothing ranges.M&S, a major player in both the food and fashion sectors, is embarking on a significant technological upgrade by integrating self-checkouts directly into the…

The recent acquisition of FatFace by Next impacted its financial performance.FatFace reported significant pre-tax losses after prioritising profit over sales.The acquisition led to exceptional costs of £7.9 million, affecting profits.Sales figures showed FatFace’s continued market presence despite financial challenges.Stakeholders remain focused on strengthening FatFace’s customer engagement.FatFace, a well-known fashion retailer, experienced a notable financial downturn following its acquisition by Next in October 2023. The company reported a pre-tax loss of £3.2 million for the 35 weeks ending on 27 January, a significant shift from the £19.5 million profit noted in the previous year. Despite a strategic focus on profitability rather…

Recent findings reveal significant dissatisfactions with major UK parcel services.Ofcom’s report highlights Evri as the least satisfactory delivery firm in the UK.44% of Evri’s customers faced delivery issues in the past six months.Yodel is also under scrutiny, ranking just above Evri with low customer satisfaction.Amazon and DHL emerge as leaders in handling customer complaints.In recent evaluations, Evri and Yodel have come under fire for their subpar performance in customer service within the UK parcel delivery sector. According to Ofcom’s latest report, Evri, formerly known as Hermes, is at the bottom of the rankings, with a staggering 44% of its customers…

Lindt is preparing to open a flagship store in central London next spring, a first for the UK.The store will be located under the iconic Piccadilly lights, attracting numerous visitors each year.Lindt aims to offer a unique chocolate experience and strengthen its presence in the UK market.Officials highlight the strategic choice of location as a top destination for high foot traffic.Further details on this significant development are anticipated as the opening approaches.Lindt, the renowned chocolatier, is on the brink of unveiling a flagship store in central London, setting the stage for a new chapter in the UK market. Set to…

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…