MBS Intelligence
Retail
“Determined commerciality and generosity of spirit”: in conversation with…
Every year in December I make my annual trip ‘home’ to Cape Town. It is something that I have done for the past 30 years, and this year was no different. But, no sooner had I arrived than the country went into...
A tumultuous year for retail: in conversation with Helen…
If there were a league table of the holders of the most stressful jobs in retail in 2020, then Helen Dickinson, as CEO of the British Retail Consortium, would be near the top. Representing 170 major retailers, who...
Celebrating Shreeji: a newsagent like no other
When I first moved to London in the late ‘80s, I lived in a one-roomed apartment on Chalcot Square, Primrose Hill - a stone’s throw away from our office, which, sadly, I have not worked in since the 17th...
Celebrating Anne Pitcher and her contribution to the retail…
Back in March, I wrote my annual column on International Women’s Day, celebrating the inspiring female leaders who had been nominated for the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman and Bold Future Awards. Sitting on the judging...
Lessons from Asia: Preparing for the ‘new normal’ –…
Businesses across Asia have been engulfed in managing responses to Covid-19 since early January. Now, months after the initial lockdown period started in the region, there are undoubtedly lessons to be learnt from our...
A nation of shopkeepers: proud to serve in a time…
What a week! Our world, at least temporarily, is almost unrecognisable. As individuals, families, communities and businesses we are being tested in ways we haven’t seen for generations. Our consumer sectors are under...
“These are the stories that line our shelves”: how…
Why is it that so many of us are drawn to unique, founder-led stores that are driven by storytelling? Could it be because we are often yearning for something personal with which we can find a connection? With...
Exit through the gift shop: desperately seeking differentiation
On a cold and crisp day last Sunday, I experienced London at its best. My first port of call was the Royal Academy to see two world-renowned British artists: Antony Gormley followed by Lucian Freud. Both exhibitions...
Australia: leading the way
I have just returned from visiting our clients in Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealanders were still reeling from their loss against England in the Rugby semi-finals – so it was very easy to move the...
Latest Retail News
Groupe Casino sells 121 stores in France In a deal worth a total of €698m, the French grocer has completed the sale of 121 stores to Groupement Les Mousquetaires, Auchan Retail France and Carrefour. Groupe Casino has a further 166 stores to offload. Read more.
Asda announces new wave of price cuts The value-focused grocer has said that it is rolling out price cuts on more than 100 products, representing investment of more than £70m. The price of products will be reduced by an average of 11%. Read more.
Mango to bolster UK store estate The Spanish fashion retailer has announced plans to open new sites in the UK, and is focusing its presence on London and Scotland. Mango will also open stores in Northern Ireland for the first time. Read more.
Holland & Barrett to roll out coffee concession The health retailer is expanding the pilot of its coffee concession format, and has outlined plans to expand its 'coffee with benefits' offering to its store in London. Read more.
Fashion giant Next posts uptick in first-quarter revenue Next has recorded a 5.7% improvement in year-on-year sales for the thirteen weeks to 27 April. Online sales spiked 8.8% in the period, while in-store sales remained flat. Read more.
Pets at Home bolsters high street presence The pet retailer has opened two new smaller-format stores in London, as it moves to expand its inner-city retail footprint. Read more.
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