Author: Scott Dylan

Iceland is entering a new phase with its relaunch in Ireland.The frozen food retailer has established partnerships with Dunnes Stores.Concessions will be launched in Dublin’s Point Village and The Square Tallaght.Over 200 frozen food lines and exclusive brands will be available.Iceland aims to deliver quality and affordability to Irish customers.Iceland has taken strategic steps to expand its presence in the Irish market by launching concessions within Dunnes Stores in Dublin. This move marks a significant re-entry into Ireland, following the company’s continued expansion strategy in other regions.The new concessions will be located in two prominent locations: Point Village and The…

Australian leather goods retailer RM Williams makes strides in expanding its UK presence, targeting affluent regions to boost its international presence.The company has launched its third UK store in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, with plans to inaugurate another outlet in Cambridge by December.The expansion strategy includes placing RM Williams’ products in renowned department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods later this month.The move marks a significant bold step for RM Williams as it seeks to overcome past production constraints and revive its international ambitions.This expansion aligns with a broader trend of Australian retailers, including Harvey Norman, entering the UK market.RM Williams, an…

Sofidel, a major tissue paper manufacturer, contributes to Amazon’s Multibank initiative.The initiative supports UK families facing poverty and austerity pressures.Sofidel’s donation includes essential items like toilet paper and kitchen towels.Multibanks are pivotal donation hubs, partnering with respected charities.Support from businesses and leaders enhances the initiative’s reach and impact.Sofidel, recognised as a leading global manufacturer of tissue paper, has aligned with Amazon’s Multibank initiative, showing a commitment to social responsibility by donating essential household items. The effort is part of a greater movement to alleviate the pressures faced by vulnerable families in the UK, exacerbated by poverty and the ongoing cost-of-living…

The Guildford-based Thai restaurant chain Giggling Squid has navigated challenging economic conditions, showcasing significant financial resilience this past year.The company reported a pre-tax profit of £1.5 million for the year ending 31 March 2024, recovering from a £1.9 million pre-tax loss in the prior year.Turnover for the chain, operating 49 locations, rose from £75.1 million to £78.6 million, reflecting successful growth efforts.Expansion included new openings in Cardiff, Bracknell, and Shrewsbury, with a slight offset due to one closure in Cheshire.Founders Andy and Pranee Laurillard report continued strength amidst high inflation and interest rates, indicating a positive outlook.The Thai restaurant chain…

The acquisition of a 40% stake in Selfridges by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is a strategic move that promises to bolster the renowned retailer’s future.This unprecedented partnership aims to address Selfridges’ financial hurdles while preserving its long-standing legacy of luxury and innovation. The deal injected optimism amid recent challenges faced by the iconic department store.Strategic Partnership with Global ImplicationsThe acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Selfridges’ history as the Saudi Public Investment Fund pledges to revive the department store’s fortunes. The collaboration with Thailand’s Central Group, the majority stakeholder, is set to bolster Selfridges’ market position amidst global…

Skechers is set to debut its innovative store format in Cardiff, marking a significant step in its UK expansion strategy.The store will occupy a 14,000 sq ft space on Newport Road, previously home to Newport Furnishers, and aims for a summer opening next year.Major remodelling is underway, featuring enhancements such as new glazing and unique entrance designs.The new Cardiff location is part of a broader UK expansion plan that involves securing additional sites for standalone stores.Interest remains in the remaining 13,000 sq ft of the building, signaling strong market interest.Skechers, a prominent name in leisure and sports footwear, is poised…

Mulberry, a revered name within the luxury fashion industry, has declined a revised takeover bid from the Frasers Group. This move signifies the brand’s determination to maintain control amidst turbulent financial times.The Bath-based label, renowned for iconic pieces such as the Bayswater handbag, is strategically focusing on recovery efforts rather than changing ownership, aiming to stabilise its foothold in the luxury market.Stakeholder PositioningMulberry’s largest shareholder Challice, controlled by prominent Singaporean billionaires Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong, has taken a firm stand against the takeover proposal by Frasers Group. The decision to reject an increased offer of 150p per share…

Mulberry has decisively rejected Frasers Group’s £111m takeover bid, citing no interest from its leading shareholder.Challice, holding a 56% stake in Mulberry, remains firm against selling shares to Frasers Group.Frasers Group’s increased bid of 150p per share follows an earlier offer that was also turned down.Without Challice’s backing, Frasers Group’s acquisition of Mulberry seems unlikely.Challice supports the current management and vision for Mulberry, seeking no further takeover discussions.Mulberry, the luxury handbag retailer, has resolutely declined an increased acquisition offer from Frasers Group, amounting to £111 million. This decision was underscored by the firm stance of Challice, Mulberry’s largest stakeholder, which…

The value of Selfridges’ property holdings, including its Oxford Street store, saw a dramatic decline.A 20.6% reduction valued at £638.6 million was reported in The Sunday Times.A significant portion of the company’s loans, maturing in 2025, are secured against these assets.External market factors, such as interest rates, were cited as reasons for the devaluation.Central Group, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s PIF, shows interest in the retailer amidst these challenges.The renowned department store chain, Selfridges, has experienced a notable decrease in the value of its property portfolio, including its flagship Oxford Street store in London. According to The Sunday Times, the…

Challice, the main shareholder of Mulberry, dismisses take-over attempts by Frasers Group, led by Mike Ashley.Frasers Group’s renewed £111 million bid follows an earlier rejected offer for the iconic handbag brand.Challice’s 56.4% stake in Mulberry positions it to block further acquisition proposals.The distraction of potential acquisition is considered untimely by Challice, impacting business focus.Frasers has until October 28 to make a final decision on continuing its acquisition attempts.Mulberry’s shareholders have significantly commented on a recent takeover approach from Frasers Group. The primary shareholder, Challice, has expressed an unwavering disinterest in selling their stake in the company to Mike Ashley’s conglomerate,…