Scotsman.com - Retail Feed

Tesco sets out bonus challenge

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:12:09 GMT

Bosses at Tesco will not receive a bonus this year unless they can reverse a decline in profits, the UK’s largest supermarket said in its annual report.

Business briefing: SABMiller | DMTG | Asda

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:03:10 GMT

SABMiller, the world’s second-biggest brewer, said margins would improve in the year ahead after strong growth in Africa and Latin America kept profits on track.

Halfords slashes dividend as profits tumble 22%

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:27:00 GMT

Car parts and cycles retailer Halfords has unveiled a three-year strategy to boost its sales after unveiling a 22 per cent plunge in annual profits.

Mothercare trims UK losses as sales slowdown eases

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:45:11 GMT

Baby accessories retailer Mothercare today insisted its business was on a “firmer footing” after closing 56 loss-making stores during the past year.

House of Fraser hails internet shopping boom

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:52:50 GMT

Department store chain House of Fraser, owner of Edinburgh institution Jenners, has delivered record sales and profits, driven by the boom in internet shopping.

Cold weather hits retail sales

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:19:56 GMT

Freezing weather drove retail sales down 1.3 per cent in April as barbecue goods and garden furniture remained stuck on stores’ shelves.

Vertu grabs £31m Land Rover franchise

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:59:08 GMT

Acquisitive car dealer Vertu Motors is seeking further deals after agreeing to buy the Co-operative Group’s Land Rover franchise for £31 million in cash.

Interflora wins trademark dispute over M&S adverts

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:31:52 GMT

Marks & Spencer has lost a long-running trademark dispute with flower delivery network Interflora.

Comment: Royal Mail sales battle | M&S puzzle

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:29:41 GMT

SO MANY have tried and failed to privatise Royal Mail that even now, with a promise of a flotation in the autumn, the process has to be treated with some caution.

Royal Mail profits rise as privatisation beckons

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:27:39 GMT

THE proposed £3 billion sale of the world’s oldest postal service drew nearer today as operating profits at Royal Mail more than doubled last year.

Burberry China boost with 14% profit rise

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:24:28 GMT

Luxury goods group Burberry has delivered better-than-expected full-year profits, boosted by strong growth in China.

M&S’ Marc Bolland faces pressure after 5.8% slump

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:39:11 GMT

High street stalwart Marks & Spencer has reported a 5.8 per cent fall in annual profits and insisted it was making progress in turning around its clothing operation.

Model employer: Debenhams promises fair treatment

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:11:18 GMT

DEPARTMENT store chain Debenhams has become the first retailer to sign up to a “fair treatment” code covering the models used in its photo shoots, television adverts and website promotions.

Langholm Capital puts Tyrrells on market

Sun, 19 May 2013 20:09:59 GMT

Crisp maker Tyrrells is set to attract the interest of global food companies after reportedly being put up for sale for about £100 million.

Bring me sunshine: Shoppers back on high streets

Sun, 19 May 2013 20:05:32 GMT

Warmer weather drew shoppers back to Scotland’s high streets in April and helped retailers open more stores, pushing the vacancy rate further below the UK average.

Bill Jamieson: Finally, the recovery gains traction

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:43:13 GMT

WHAT now unites Alex Salmond, the CBI, Sir Mervyn King, the OECD and the Federation of Small Businesses? It’s the economy, stupid.

Comment: Changing of guard bodes ill for FirstGroup

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:42:51 GMT

THE expected retirement this week of Martin Gilbert as chairman of transport operator FirstGroup follows similar announcements over the last month from Lord Smith at Weir, Sir Win Bischoff at Lloyds Banking Group and Richard Findlay at STV. The guard is clearly changing.

Bolland under pressure over M&S relaunch costs

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:42:51 GMT

MARKS & Spencer boss Marc Bolland will aim to soothe City concerns this week over the cost of relaunching the retailer’s range of clothing as the chief executive aims to stem the chain’s decline in profits.

Gilbert to step down at FirstGroup

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:42:40 GMT

MARTIN Gilbert is expected to announce his retirement as chairman of transport operator FirstGroup this week when the company might also unveil plans to raise up to £600 million and a sharp cut in its dividend.

Golden opportunity for Goodwins

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:23:09 GMT

RISING gold prices, combined with a downturn in the retail sector, have opened up new opportunities for an Edinburgh antiques dealer.