Christmas trading news and archive

Primark's “strong” Christmas sales boosted by Rita Ora

Value fashion and homeware retailer Primark has reported “strong” Christmas trading despite the unseasonal warm weather, helped by its performance wear, leisure and tailored clothing and collaboration with singer Rita Ora. In the 16 weeks to January 6, retail sales were up 7.9 percent to 3.37 billion pounds, with like-for-like sales up by 2.1...

BusinessFeatured

High inflation to drive Christmas spend this year

London - High inflation rather than strong volumes is set to drive Christmas spend this year, as fashion retailers are in for a disappointing holiday season, according to GlobalData. Total retail sales are predicted to grow 1.9 percent during the fourth quarter - and although this is up on the 1.5 percent increase reported last year, this bump...

People

Marks & Spencer fires loyalty card chief over racism claims

British department store group Marks & Spencer has fired Suzanna Broer, who was chief of its new loyalty scheme, for allegedly using racist language. Broer, who was responsible for the development and launch of M&S's new membership card scheme Sparks, is said to have been dismissed for 'gross misconduct' in mid-November, following claims she...

Business|REPORT

White Stuff total sales increase 17.9 percent over Christmas

Lifestyle retailer White Stuff announced strong Christmas trading results, with total sales increasing 17.9 percent for the 5 weeks to January 3, 2015. Like-for-like sales were up 6.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The high street retailer attributes its solid results to its focus on gifting, as well as its full price trading...

Design

John Lewis reports outstanding Christmas trade

John Lewis has reported ‘outstanding’ trade over the Christmas period – a 9.3% year-on-year rise in total sales. Sales reached £596 million in the five weeks to 31 December while like-for-like sales were up 6.2%. Online sales in the period were up 27.9% on last year and have now exceeded £600 million for the year to date. Andy Street, John Lewis...

Fashion

M&S Christmas trading disappoints investors

Marks & Spencer on Wednesday announced a 6.8 per cent fall in the company’s share price. M&S reported slight UK sales growth, from stores open at least a year, of 0.8 per cent in the 13 weeks to December 26. That was less than the consensus of analysts’ forecasts of a 1.2 per cent increase. Like-for-like sales of general merchandise, including...

Fashion

Good Christmas forecast for retailers

Retail industry leaders expect a strong Christmas trading period this year driven by a double digit growth in internet sales. According to a survey of 200 senior retail executives at Barclays sixth annual Retail Industry Forum held in London this week, over half of retailers (58%) think the prospects for Christmas trading this year are good and...