In many ways, the world has changed beyond recognition in the last few months, as social distancing measures have closed down our high streets, shuttered our restaurants and completely transformed our shopping and living habits. Over the past few months,...
The very first time that I went to China, one of my first ports of call was Lane Crawford, where the boutiques are world class, very forward thinking and respected across the industry. It was therefore to the President of Lane Crawford, and Joyce, Andrew...
It is not often that I get the chance to chat to and to challenge three influential Chairs for an hour. It was therefore a privilege to facilitate a conversation between three of our sector’s most important figures last week: Richard Pennycook, Penny...
We have had a Creative Practice at The MBS Group since the consultancy was founded 30 years ago. The practice has expanded and changed over the years to now include much more than just designers in apparel or home. Today, businesses are looking...
In a week when coronavirus has dominated the news, we have been reminded of how interconnected the world is. Not only have recent events reminded us of the links that exist in global markets and complicated supply chains, but also just how mobile the...
Perhaps it’s the clocks going back this weekend that makes me want to turn my attention to my home, South Africa. Or it might be the arrival of Naspers in our papers this week, the South African firm whose $5bn hostile bid for Just Eat has made quite a...
Purpose. We have heard this word be used time and time again by candidates talking about their own career aspirations – but never has the term had so much practical gravity than now. In the midst of the current Covid-19 pandemic, we have all been forced...
After the success of last year’s publication, we are delighted to once again be launching the Women to Watch in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Index, in partnership with WiHTL. Gender diversity in the sector has increased over the last year across all...
The MBS Group is proud to have been championing diversity for over thirty years – so it was a real privilege to partner with the IGD and PwC to produce a first-of-its-kind report, giving an honest appraisal of the status of diversity and inclusion...
B&M reports strong end to financial year Ahead of publishing full-year results in June, the discount retailer has updated its investors on trading, reporting a 6.6% rise in LFL sales in the last quarter. The company has said customer frequency has decreased but average spend has increased. Read more on The Times
Douglas sales plummet 40% amid Covid-19 The German beauty retailer Douglas has posted a sales decline of 40.2% for March, impacted by enforced store closures. The retailer has said that Covid-19 has caused 'serious challenges' for the beauty retail sector. Read more on Cosmetics Business
Nestlé introduces snack delivery service with Deliveroo Nestlé has teamed up with Deliveroo’s Essentials delivery platform to offer a variety of its products to UK consumers. The announcement follows companies such as PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz, which have also launched DTC models amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more on FoodBev
SCB Global Java announces acquisition of White Tale Coffee Seeking to establish a portfolio of premium artisanal coffee brands, SCB Global Java Holdings has acquired White Tale Coffee, an ecommerce coffee subscription business. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. Read more on FoodBev
Nordstrom Q1 revenue and profits decline Compared with the same period last year, revenues at the US-based luxury department store slipped by 39% to $2bn. Read more on Fashion United
Under Armour announces phased reopening of stores The sportwear brand hopes to have half its North America stores open by the end of this week. Under Armour has also developed strict health and safety protocols in its reopened stores, such as reduced store hours and limited store occupancy. Read more on Fashion United
Eve Sleep hails ‘improving trading’ patterns in lockdown The etailer has said it has experienced strong demand for its premium mattress and bedframe ranges during lockdown. Although weekly sales patterns have varied substantially, sales have been in line with expectations. Read more on Retail Week
Tia Health raises $24m for women’s virtual health services The company, which has developed a network of digital health and wellness apps, clinics and telehealth services, has said the financing would support the expansion of its services to new markets. Read more on TechCrunch
KKR raises $4bn in eight weeks for pandemic dislocation opportunities The $4bn total consists of $2.8bn in its KKR Dislocation Opportunities Fund and more than $1.1bn in separately managed accounts committed for similar investments. Read more on PE Hub
CVC invests in rugby’s Pro14 The deal, which was confirmed earlier this week, sees CVC take a 28% stake in the rugby competition Pro14. The organisation responsible for running Pro14, Celtic Rugby DAC, will retain a 72% share. Read more on Real Deals
Papa John’s seeing best sales period in history In May, for the second month in a row, Papa John’s delivered the best sales period in the company’s history. Like-for-like sales grew 27% in North America and 7% internationally. Read more on Propel Hospitality
Pret to reopen further 200 sites on Monday The new openings will take the total number of reopened stores to more than 300 across the UK. As per government guidelines, these shops will be open for takeaway and delivery only with extensive social distancing and safety procedures in place. Read more on Propel Hospitality
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