Author: Scott Dylan

Andrew Keith, the CEO of Selfridges, is set to step down this autumn, marking the end of his four-year tenure.Appointed as managing director in November 2020, Keith took over as CEO in February 2021, following his extensive experience with Lane Crawford Joyce.An internal memo indicates that André Maeder will succeed Keith, bringing his expertise from the KaDeWe Group.Maeder, who became CEO of Selfridges Group earlier this year, is set to take over the leadership role at Selfridges.Selfridges has been approached for comments on the transition, emphasising its significance in the retail landscape.Andrew Keith’s departure from Selfridges in the autumn marks…

The prices of clothing and footwear have decreased for the seventh successive month, signalling continued deflation in the market.Shop price annual inflation remained constant at 0.2% in July, marking its lowest rate since October 2021.Non-food prices continued to deflate, although at a slower pace, with a rate of -0.9% in July, slightly up from June.BRC chief Helen Dickinson attributes the price fall to persistent weak demand, especially benefiting holiday shoppers.Uncertainty about future inflation persists due to factors like climate change and global tensions.Shop price annual inflation held steady at 0.2% in July, the lowest recorded rate since October 2021, according…

Birmingham is set to welcome a new addition to its culinary scene as Cow & Sow plans to open its latest steakhouse.This development marks an important move for the brand, which aims to tap into the thriving food culture of the city.The Arrival of Cow & Sow in BirminghamA new steakhouse is slated to open later this year in Birmingham’s Paradise estate, as Cow & Sow signs a deal for a prime location in One Chamberlain Square. This addition to Birmingham’s dining scene will be joining other popular restaurants like Dishoom and Albert’s Schloss. The steakhouse promises to enrich the…

The hospitality industry in Sunderland is set to receive a substantial boost with the creation of over 250 new jobs.This surge in employment opportunities comes as a result of numerous bars and restaurants opening in the coming months, notably including the Sheepfolds Stables development.Hospitality Sector Surge in SunderlandThe North East’s hospitality scene is experiencing a significant upswing with over 250 jobs being generated through the opening of new bars and restaurants. These venues are contributing to the area’s economic growth, particularly in Sunderland, where several establishments such as The Botanist and Manjaros have already started operations this year.The upcoming Sheepfolds…

Knights, the expanding legal group, has made a significant strategic move by acquiring Thursfields, a West Midlands law firm, for £12.5 million.This acquisition adds four new offices to Knights’ portfolio and aligns with its strategy to bolster expertise, particularly in private wealth services.Strategic Expansion in the West MidlandsIn a significant strategic move, Knights, a legal group known for its expansive growth, has acquired Thursfields, a respected law firm, for £12.5 million. This acquisition signifies Knights’ intent to strengthen its influence in the West Midlands, introducing Thursfields’ four offices into its expanding network, including key locations in Birmingham, Kidderminster, Solihull, and…

Ted Baker is planning to shut down its stores and website next month due to unsuccessful negotiations.The brand’s administrators have communicated that the closures were not reflective of staff performance.Ted Baker previously had 46 stores and employed 975 people before entering administration.Authentic Brands Group’s licensing model transition has faced obstacles without a new operating partner.Frasers Group’s potential takeover has not materialised, making closures highly likely.Ted Baker, a well-known retailer, is set to close all its stores, concessions and its website next month as discussions with potential new operating partners have reached a stalemate. The announcement was made to staff following…

Hoka has significantly contributed to Deckers’ remarkable sales performance in the first fiscal quarter of 2024.Hoka’s net sales surged by 29.7%, amounting to $545.2 million (£425.5 million).Deckers’ total net sales rose by 22%, reaching $825.3 million (£643.2 million).Direct-to-consumer sales across all Deckers brands increased by 24%.While Hoka and Ugg showed robust growth, Teva and Sanuk experienced declines in sales.Hoka has proven to be a key player in enhancing Deckers’ sales figures, showcasing a 29.7% increase in net sales, reaching $545.2 million (£425.5 million) for the first fiscal quarter ending 30 June 2024. Contributing a substantial two-thirds of Deckers’ total net…

Parcel delivery leader Evri is set to expand its workforce significantly, with the creation of 9,000 new jobs. The initiative follows its acquisition by US investment firm Apollo.Evri plans to employ 8,000 additional couriers and 1,000 warehouse and support staff. This move emphasises its commitment to scaling operations and improving service delivery across key UK regions.Evri’s expansion strategy is driven by its recent acquisition by Apollo, amounting to £2.7 billion. The company aims to bolster its workforce significantly, focusing on strategic locations such as Scotland, Bury St Edmunds, Plymouth, and Gatwick. This regional focus not only aims to meet increasing…

Prada is set to open a new store in Hong Kong, marking its first significant expansion in the area after years of downsizing.Prada Group will occupy 8,000 square feet in the popular shopping destination K11 Musea.The opening coincides with a challenging period for global luxury brands, as evidenced by recent sales declines.Prada Group’s decision follows the closure of its costly flagship store in Causeway Bay in 2020.This move is part of Prada’s broader strategy, which includes investing €60m in production capacities.Prada, the esteemed Italian luxury fashion brand, is set to embark on its first major expansion in Hong Kong in…

The renowned glass manufacturer Pilkington, in collaboration with Grenian Hydrogen, seeks government backing to establish a green hydrogen facility at its St Helens site. This strategic move aligns with their commitment to decarbonising the manufacturing process, aiming for implementation by 2027.The proposed green hydrogen hub will support Pilkington’s furnace with substantial hydrogen supply, potentially reducing carbon emissions significantly. This initiative marks a crucial step in advancing low-carbon glass production, with implications for building sustainable infrastructure globally.Strategic Initiative for SustainabilityPilkington, in partnership with Grenian Hydrogen, has unveiled plans for a green hydrogen hub at its St Helens location. This initiative aims…