Throughout 2012 IKEA has invested £30 million in improving its store and online customer experience. It was a costly strategy, but it seems to be paying off for the retailer as sales are up. What did IKEA spend £30 million on? The main aim of the... Read More
During the recession, British consumers drastically cut back on purchases of expensive luxury items, instead concentrating on acquiring essentials until the economy showed signs of stabilising. This has had a huge impact on the retail sector, with certain... Read More
The collapse of Comet on Friday provides a stark reminder that, despite an improving economic outlook, the climate remains frosty for retailers. This year has seen a crop of leading high street names entering administration. These include JJB Sports, Clinton... Read More
Christmas can be a stressful time of year, especially for parents presented with an extensive list of must-have goodies. In order to make the mammoth task of buying the ideal Christmas present for your child a little easier, the Toy Retailers Association have... Read More
The commercial property market in the UK is not immune to the events that are shaping the economy as a whole. Although the euro zone crisis is an ongoing source of concern for many investors and the domestic economy remains weak, there is still an underlying... Read More
China Investment Corporation (CIC), the sovereign wealth fund, has purchased a 10 per cent stake in Heathrow Airport Holdings. The firm which controls the UK’s largest commercial airport also owns other nationwide airports such as Glasgow, Stansted and... Read More
Westminster Council is considering a curb on the conversion of office space to residential use in a bid to protect central London SMEs. The council is reviewing its policy to maintain a balance of uses and to ensure that the district’s small scale office... Read More
Late October and early November can be incredibly busy times for retail and leisure businesses. The run up to Christmas encourages consumers to flood into shops as presents and food items are purchased, while Halloween and Bonfire Night provide a boost for... Read More
Internet shopping has become one of the most profitable sectors of retail in recent years, with online businesses such as Amazon and eBay continually posting rising profits and expanding consumer bases. Even traditional companies, such as Tesco and Argos,... Read More
The good news for the UK is that recently-released GDP figures indicate the country has officially pulled out of the recession. However, the results of a study of the commercial construction sector indicate that challenging times lie ahead. The Castles... Read More
