Christmas news and archive

Freemans reports “strong” Christmas performance

Digital fashion and homeware department store Freemans, which axed its iconic paper catalogue after 118 years last year, has reported continued growth over the Christmas period. In the eight weeks to December 31, 2023, Freemans reports “strong” growth with sales up 5 percent, compared to the same period last year. The online retailer, which has...

Retail

West End spend declined during festive season despite YoY footfall growth

New figures by the New West End Company (NWEC) have reflected an increase in footfall in contrast to a decline in spending, yet the company cited the festive season’s performance as “resilient”. Over the period, footfall was up 3 percent year-on-year, while spending decreased by 1 percent, driven by lower than expected domestic spending caused...

Retail

December consumer spending grew but retail spending stalled

Consumer card spending grew 2.3 percent year-on-year in December 2023, less than the latest Consumer Prices Index inflation rate of 4.2 percent and lower than November’s growth of 2.9 per cent, according to the latest data from the Barclays Consumer Spend report. While entertainment and travel bookings thrived, Barclays said that retail spending...

Fashion

Eco-activists target Gucci's Christmas tree in Milan

Eco-activists took to the streets of Milan on Saturday, targeting the iconic Gucci Christmas tree in the Galleria as an act of protest. Two activists from Ultima Generazione tossed a bucket of yellow paint at the tree before defiantly sitting at its base. According to reports, firefighters and municipal police arrived promptly, attending to the...

Fashion |In Pictures Featured

From candy canes to festive carousels: The most dazzling Christmas displays of 2023

With Christmas just around the corner and the hunt for last-minute gifts going ahead, fashion retailers and department stores are continuing their efforts to reel in customers with festively decorated shop windows, displays and pop-ups. Whether it's a Christmas tree, artificial snow or twinkling fairy lights, nothing has been missed for this...

RetailFeatured

Christmas shoppers forecast to "panic spend" 3.31 billion pounds this weekend

Retailers are anticipating a 3.31 billion pound boost during ‘Panic Weekend’ (16-17 December), with only 12 days remaining until Christmas. New insights into UK consumers' festive shopping habits have surfaced, offering a glimpse into the dynamics of the last full weekend before the holidays. The "Shopping for Christmas Report: The build up to...

Fashion

Sales of festive pyjamas are soaring

The official Christmas dress code for 2023 is set to be festive pyjamas, according to data from Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) provider Clearpay. In a survey involving 2002 Brits, the research delves into Christmas Day attire, uncovering that 37 percent prefer not to dress up and instead opt for festive loungewear, signaling a trend toward a more...

Retail |In Pictures

Stella McCartney launches installation at Selfridges Corner Shop

British luxury womenswear label Stella McCartney has opened a “theatrical extravaganza” at the Selfridges Corner Shop space. The installation, titled ‘Stellabration,’ will run until December 28 and is described as an “emotional and energetic exploration of light, joy and nostalgia, with a touch of festive drama and delight”. At the heart of the...

Fashion |In Pictures

AMI celebrates holiday season with pop-up and ice rink

Luxury fashion brand AMI is celebrating the holiday season with an exclusive pop-up store and ice rink at Palais-Royal in Paris. From December 16 to 31, La Patinoire AMI (ice-rink) will be located in the historical Cour d’Honneur of Palais-Royal. It will be free of charge with visitors asked to register via the brand’s website. The design of the...

Fashion |In Pictures

Claridge’s unveils Louis Vuitton Christmas tree

The 2023 Christmas tree at London’s five-star hotel Claridge’s has been designed by French fashion house Louis Vuitton, following in the footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld, Christopher Bailey, Alber Elbaz and Diane von Furstenberg. Located in the hotel lobby, the Claridge’s Christmas tree by Louis Vuitton is a sculptural creation within two large, open...

Retail |In Pictures

Lounge opens Christmas pop-up in Liverpool

Underwear brand Lounge has opened a pop-up store in Liverpool, which will run until December 23. The 4,000-square-foot pop-up space is located on Liverpool One’s South John Street and houses Lounge’s range of lingerie, loungewear and nightwear in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and 30A to 40G. The store has been designed to emulate a cosy and warm...

Fashion |In Pictures

Kate Spade unveils 10-metre Christmas tree in London

Kate Spade New York has unveiled a Christmas tree in the heart of Waterloo train station in London. The 10-metre-high installation has been crafted using giant branded gift-wrapped boxes in Kate Spade’s signature green hue, reminiscent of a traditional tree and incorporating the accessory brand’s “joyful, seasonal brand accents, like spots and...