The Retail Database Blog

SRC-KPMG SCOTTISH RETAIL SALES MONITOR: SUN COAXED OUT RELUCTANT SCOTTISH SHOPPERS

2012-04-23T17:04:00.003+01:00

SRC-KPMG SCOTTISH RETAIL SALES MONITOR: SUN COAXED OUT RELUCTANT SCOTTISH SHOPPERS: Total sales in March were 1.8% up on March 2011, when they had declined 0.3%. Like-for-like sales were 0.9% higher than a year ago, when they had fallen 3.9%.

RETAIL CONDITIONS REMAIN TOUGH DESPITE MARCH BOOST

2012-04-23T17:04:00.001+01:00

RETAIL CONDITIONS REMAIN TOUGH DESPITE MARCH BOOST: Official retail figures released today (Friday) by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirm retailers benefited from increased sales in March compared with the same month a year earlier. Disregarding the exceptional circumstances that boosted fuel sales, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) says the lift was chiefly because of the early warm weather which encouraged consumers to buy summer clothes and things for the garden.

Retail Sales - March 2012

2012-04-20T16:37:00.001+01:00

Retail Sales - March 2012: Contains a first estimate of retail sales in volume and value terms, seasonally and non-seasonally adjusted.

European retail property volumes fall 60% in Q1

2012-04-18T14:55:00.001+01:00

European retail property volumes fall 60% in Q1: European retail real estate volumes during the first three months of 2012 fell 60% compared with the same period the year before, according to Jones...

London is Number One Target for International Retailers

2012-04-18T14:54:00.001+01:00

London is Number One Target for International Retailers: London, 18 April 2011 – London has reclaimed the number one position as the most targeted market for international retailers, according to the 2012 edition of How Global is the Business of Retail? by leading global property adviser CBRE.

Young Shrewsbury Town duo earn deals

2012-04-17T14:05:00.001+01:00

Young Shrewsbury Town duo earn deals: Two Shrewsbury Town youngsters have earned professional contracts for next season.

UK inflation overshoot extends - what's the excuse now?

2012-04-17T14:02:00.001+01:00

UK inflation overshoot extends - what's the excuse now?:
March CPI figures confirm the prospect of another big Bank of England inflation forecasting miss in 2012. The projection here that CPI inflation will finish the year at about 2.75% may now be too low. This projection implies that December inflation will be above the 2% target for a seventh consecutive year, with a cumulative overshoot of 7.5% since the remit was switched from RPIX to CPI at the end of 2003.

The current overshoot, moreover, cannot be attributed to the various “temporary price level factors” cited by the Bank’s Governor in his unbroken sequence of nine explanatory letters since February 2010, just after a speech in which he suggested a looser interpretation of the remit – dubbed here as “inflation targeting lite” and judged to represent an effective raising of the target from 2% to 3%.

March CPI inflation of 3.5% was in line with the consensus estimate but follows a significant “upside surprise” in February. The first-quarter outturn of 3.5% compares with a Bank projection of 3.35% in the February 2012 Inflation Report. A year earlier, the Bank expected inflation to be down to 2.86% by the first quarter (mean forecast based on unchanged policy).

The high reading can no longer be blamed on VAT or other indirect tax effects. The CPI excluding indirect taxes – CPIY – also rose by 3.5% in the year to March.

Part of the overshoot is explained by food and energy prices – CPI inflation excluding unprocessed food and energy was 2.9% in March. This boost, however, appears to reflect domestic pressures in these sectors rather than global commodity price developments. The S&P GSCI all-commodities spot index rose by only 1.2% in sterling terms in the year to March, down from 26.2% in the prior 12 months.

The Bank has also previously cited manufactured import price rises related to sterling weakness as a contributor to the inflation overshoot. The pound’s effective rate, however, rose by 1.5% between March 2011 and March 2012.

The February 2012 Report forecast a fall in CPI inflation to 1.87% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and 1.61% in the first quarter of 2013, based importantly on a slowdown in “core” inflation in response to assumed economic slack and better productivity performance. There is little evidence of such a decline in recent data: the CPI excluding unprocessed food and energy, incorporating adjustments for VAT changes and seasonal effects, rose at a 2.9% annualised rate between the third quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012 – see chart.

The forecast here remains that CPI inflation will finish 2012 at about 2.75%, based on a small easing of core price momentum and broad stability of commodity prices and the exchange rate. Recent core resilience suggests upside risk to this projection.

The vanishing prospect of a return to target this year will be a particular disappointment to the Bank’s leading dove, Adam Posen, who, in a Guardian interview in March 2011, predicted that inflation would tumble to 1.5% by the middle of 2012 and stated that: “If I have made the wrong call, not only will I switch my vote, I would not pursue a second term.”

Agent Provocateur SS12 collection

2012-03-29T20:33:00.001+01:00

With summer just around the corner Agent Provocateur are helping everyone get into summer seductive mode with their colourful SS12 collection.

Here are a few of their best sellers that are sure to get everyone in the mood for summer fun:

Rizzo Bra – £85

Rizzo Thong – £45

Lorna Bra – £85

Konchita Bra – £65

Rowana Bra – £110

Rowana Big Brief – £145

Sharp rise in major Retail Administrations cost 3,500 jobs

2012-02-11T11:35:00.000+00:00

Proposed job losses and store closures increased in sharply January as difficult economic conditions and squeezed household budgets pushed the likes of Peacocks and Bonmarché, La Senza and Pumpkin Patch into administration.

According to the latest research conducted by The Retail Database’s Administration Watch, job losses directly associated with these January administrations are estimated to be around 3,516, a 360% rise on December and more than ten times higher that January 2011.

Simon Wallace, Managing Economist at The Retail Database, said: “Rising job losses on the high street form part of a vicious cycle of higher unemployment, low confidence and falling consumer spending.”

The results from Administration Watch showed an estimated 295 stores have closed, or are in the process of closing, as a result of administration – a 900% rise on January 2011.

“Although we expect January to be the high point for retail administrations, conditions on the high street will remain difficult and further failures by major retailer should be expected” said Simon Wallace.

Retail Administrations Cost 15,000 Jobs in 2011

2012-01-23T16:00:00.000+00:00

The number of major high street administrations surged in 2011, creating a sharp increase in both store closures and job losses.

According to research conducted by The Retail Database for its new Administration Watch, in 2011 major high street multiples closed a total of 909 stores as a result of falling into administration - a 144% increase on the previous year.

The corresponding loss of jobs, inclusive of head office and warehouse positions, was estimated to be 14,892 - a 210% increase on 2010. The sharper rise in job losses compared to store closures in part reflects the closure of large scale stores such as TJ Hughes, in which the shutting of one unit not only leaves a large hole in the high street, it also leaves a much larger number of people out of work.

Despite a marked downturn in the economy during the second half of the year, Junewas the worst month for retail failures with the likes of Habitat, Jane Norman and TJ Hughes falling into administration, leading to a large number of store closures and job losses.

The outlook for 2012 is one of continued difficulty for the retailing sector. January has already seen some high profile casualties in the form of La Senza, Peacocks, Pumpkin Patch, Blacks / Millets and Past Times. Although not all store closures and job losses associated with these administrations have been decided yet, the figures for this month have already surpassed January 2011.

London 2012 - Merchandise licensee order-books closing soon

2012-01-07T16:48:00.002+00:00

The Olympic Games will be a great opportunity for retailers both small and large to capitalise upon thousands of people coming to the UK to watch and enjoy the Olympic experience.

With the production of official London 2012 Olympic merchandise closely controlled by licence, shops will have to order products from a small list of official suppliers.

However, with unprecedented demand, many of these suppliers will soon by closing their order books. According to London 2012, if retailers haven't placed their order by the end of February they are likely to completely miss out on any official merchandise.

Although I'm sure that all of the big high street stores will be well aware of this, but many smaller retailers won't be. As someone who grew up near Much Wenlock in Shropshire (the birthplace of the modern Olympics), I know that many of the small independent shops on the high street are hoping for a bonanza year, as tourists from home and abroad flock into the town to enjoy the Olympic experience and the many events being held in the lead up to the Games. It would be a terrible shame if these small shops missed out on this opportunity.

Much Wenlock High Street

For more information about which companies have licences to product official Olympic merchandise: http://issuu.com/themagazineshop/docs/london2012licencingandretail

How many major high street retailers will go into administration in 2012?

2011-12-17T22:41:00.000+00:00

We are starting a monthly question on our Facebook page.

We have already seen two company administrations this month at Barratts and Thomas Cook, and an announced restructuring of La Senza. This could cost thousands of jobs and lead to the closing of up to 550 stores. Not good news for the high street.

So this month we ask: How many major high street retailers will go into administration next year?

Please let us know your opinion by clicking here and completing this simple poll.

A naught Christmas with Agent Provocateur

2011-12-06T21:34:00.001+00:00

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for your wife, girlfriend then you can't go far wrong with one of these sexy pieces from Agent Provocateur.

Make her feel like a goddess, as this sensual range of lingerie complements her beautiful body.

Naughty sexy gift: Renee

Iconic, retro style Agent Provocateur in signature black and baby pink tones. Renee is a seductive pin up look created in the finest Italian satin, sensual French cotton lace and sheer point d'esprit.

Sculpting Corsets & Basques

Beautifully engineered and classically designed corsets and basques by Agent Provocateur hold you in all the right places to create a stunning hourglass silhouette.

Signature Black and Pink

Beautiful lingerie and nightwear in Agent Provocateur’s signature black and pink never fails to please.

Sensual Nightwear

Tantalise, conceal…and reveal in a luxurious layer of Agent Provocateur nightwear. Explore our eye-catching selection of nightwear, including sexy slips, babydolls, sensual butter soft silk pyjamas and gowns created in the most luxurious fabrics for early to bed appeal.

Classic Black

You can’t go wrong with classic black lace. Agent Provocateur offers a luxurious selection in black ranging from timeless lingerie sets and sensual nightwear, to decadent bedding.

WEELY PICKS - French Connection

2011-12-06T21:32:00.001+00:00

Stay stylish this winter and take a look at the fabulous collections available at French Connection this week:

*Sonic Smoke Strappy Jumpsuit*
£65.00
£130.00

*Feisty Felt Coat*
£90.00 - £180.00

*Winter Bex Beads Dress On Sale*
£75.00 - £150.00

*Jade Platform Court Shoes*
£96.00
£120.00

*Twinkle Leather Bag*

£80.00
£160.00

Cross Border Retailing | UK Retailers Selling Products Abroad

2011-12-05T20:16:00.001+00:00

Since the start of the credit crunch in 2007 the value of the British Pound has fallen sharply against a whole range of currencies. Although many of us complained that this has put up the price of petrol and increased the cost of foreign holidays, we were reassured that this would be a boon for the UK economy, as exporters provided the world with cheaper British goods.

So far the evidence as to how much the fall in the Pound has helped UK exporters is mixed. Indeed, during 2010 the current account deficit actually increased as imports rose faster than exports.

One area of the economy that should be able to take advantage of the fall in the value of the British Pound is the retail sector, which has the size and technical capacity to take advantage of the relative cheapness of UK goods. London regularly attracts large numbers of overseas shoppers however the country’s retailers could be taking advantage of their competitive pricing by delivering directly to people’s homes throughout the European Union and across the globe.

But is the fall in the value of the Pound, really compensating for the increased delivery cost of buying from another country? Well not always, but with some estimating that the Pound is currently around 20% undervalued against the Euro, there are saving to be had. In addition to this the delivery cost to mainland Europe is not generally prohibitively more than the delivery cost within the UK. For example, Debenhams charges delivery of £4.00 in the UK and £7.00 in mainland Europe.

Unlike other countries with more highly regulated retail sectors, such as in France, the UK also benefits from regular sales periods. During sales periods in the UK, it is difficult for retailers to stand out from the crowd as every store is slashing prices. By heavily promoting these discounts in other countries, UK retailers could be very attractive to foreign customers.

Furthermore, faced with intensive domestic competition, the UK retail sector is one of the most efficient in the world and has been able to keep costs down through a refined supply chain, well managed systems and tough negotiations with suppliers. This level of efficiency has been passed through to the consumer, who has for many years benefitted from falling real prices. Again, this should help UK retailers look attractive when compared to less efficient operations in other countries.

Finally, the UK benefits from a diverse range of retailers and products. Given the UK consumers love for shopping and the countries relative size and affluence, it has one of the most vibrant retail sectors in the world, selling new and innovative products. In addition to the price benefits of buying things price in British Pounds, overseas consumers could also benefit from a whole new range of products.

Almost all major retailers in the UK have a transactional website, where customers can browse and purchase goods at their leisure, using their home computer, smart phone or tablet. However, not all these websites are set up to handle purchases made by overseas customers. Although the logistics of expanding deliveries abroad may be somewhat difficult, the challenge is by no means insurmountable, and without which these retailers are denying themselves access to hundreds of millions of potential customers.

Those retailers that currently do not delivery abroad should start by looking towards the major markets in Europe such as German, France, Italy and Spain, being within the European Union, there are fewer barriers to entering into these markets, whilst their proximity should keep delivery costs relatively low. Once established in these major European markets, the retailer could look to expand further, if the benefits are judged to outweigh the costs.

There are few retailers that would not benefit from a well run international delivery function. Although the cost of implementing and running this service will be too high for some retailers, there are some large UK retailers that are currently missing out on an opportunity to grow sales, spread their brand internationally and potentially lay the foundations for full international expansion.

Retail is one of the most important parts of the UK domestic economy, if it can take full advantage of the weakness of the British Pound and recent technological changes; it has the potential to continue to thrive despite a tough retailing environment at home.

Guess the gift competition outtakes - John Lewis

2011-11-19T12:19:00.000+00:00

Guess the gift competition outtakes - John Lewis:

'via Blog this'

New jacket from Jaegar - The Gloucester

2011-09-03T17:34:00.002+01:00

The Gloucester Jacket £360.00

New lingerie and Thora dress from Agent Provocateur

2011-08-25T21:49:00.001+01:00

Margot

Bring out your inner femme fatale with the striking and luxurious Margot. Made from intricate stretch black lace, Margot wraps around your curves in a clever bandage like motion and creates a beautiful feminine silhouette.

Evalyn

Take ladylike glamour to a new level with Evalyn, adorned with intricate floral embroidery in signature black and pink.

Just in! Thora dress

The decadent and ultra stylish Thora is designed to sculpt and support your curves. Luxurious French puppytooth silk jacquard is paired with striking scarlet satin flashes and vintage style buttons.

The range is inspired by Dior's ‘New Look’ of the 1940’s. The irresistible Thora takes underwear as outerwear to a new level.

TJ Hughes - Another 22 stores to close

2011-08-04T17:51:00.001+01:00

TJ Hughes stores in Shrewsbury, Birkenhead, Dumfries, Dundee, Rochdale, Widnes, Wolverhampton, Stretford, Bolton, Boscombe, Burnley, Chester, Crawley, Hull, Kettering, Kidderminster, Macclesfield, Nuneaton, St Helens, Walsall, Watford and Weston-super-Mare will close between 10 and 14 August 2011.

All the latest new products from John Lewis

2011-07-30T11:36:00.001+01:00

Some fantastic new products at John Lewis this week, new arrivals on Electricals!

Below are all the lastest from Home and Garden and Fashion and Beauty!

NEW Electrical and Technology arrivals:

New Arrival from Sony – HDR-TD10 HD 1080p 3D Camcorder
£1,399

Panasonic Lumix – DMC-S3 Olympic Edition Camera Kit
£119.95

Code:

Toshiba Qosmio X770-107 3D Laptop
£1,699

Fashion and Beauty

Mango Woven Belt
£22.90

Mint Velvet Leather Biker Jacket
£225

Dune Sanctuary Faux Pony Skin Court Shoe
£70

Home and Garden
John Lewis Palma Bistro Set
£65

John Lewis Michelangelo Glassware
£22

Barlow Tyrie Monaco Folding Outdoor Side Chair
£295

Austin Reed dress the Dragon's Den

2011-07-30T11:32:00.001+01:00

Austin Reed got some great coverage in the Daily Mail this weekend dressing Peter and Duncan from the Dragon's Den.

Grey Sharkskin Suit

Make style your priority with this single breasted, two-button grey sharkskin suit from our contemporary-fit Chelsea range. Made from 100% Super 100's wool, the jacket features a notch collar, front-flap pockets, a breast pocket, a double vent to the reverse and buttoned cuffs. The flat-front suit trousers feature a French bearer fastening for a streamlined waist and kick tape ribbons to reinforce the hem.
Was £399.00
Now £199.00

Blue Sharkskin Jacket

This single breasted, two-button blue sharkskin suit jacket is part of our contemporary-fit Chelsea range. Featuring a notch collar, front-flap pockets, a breast pocket, buttoned cuffs and made from 100% wool woven in Italy it will show everyone you mean business.

£265.00

Urban Outfitters sale

2011-07-30T11:26:00.001+01:00

Urban Outfitters sale is now on with up to 70% off. Including this smashing cardigan!

Staring At Stars Kimono Cardigan
Was £48.00
Now £22.00

Final Reductions in the Summer Sale at Agent Provocateur – now up to 75% off!

2011-07-18T22:41:00.000+01:00

Receive amazing discounts on luxurious products including the iconic Love range in red and cream, beautiful slips and kimonos, impactful jewellery and flirty knickers starting at just £5.

Love Lingerie Set: ~~£165~~ £30

Iconic Love set, created with exquisite French leavers lace, Love is a classic you can't live without!
Love Bra: ~~£95~~ £20
Love Full Brief: ~~£70~~ £10
Love Thong: ~~£55~~ £10

Nikita set: ~~£115~~ £30

The smooth and seductive Nikita set featuring an uplifting demi bra is extremely sexy yet gives great support.
Nikita Demi Bra: ~~£75~~ £20
Nikita Brief: ~~£40~~ £10

Spring/Summer 2011 collection at Agent Provocateur

2011-05-26T20:53:00.002+01:00

Pamelina

Laurie

Juno

Lorna

Joseline

Royal Rubbers - More Tacky (and funny) Royal Wedding Memorabilia

2011-04-20T23:41:00.001+01:00

Okay...so these are so so much better than the Ducks.

"Lie Back and Think of England"...beautiful!

http://www.crownjewelscondoms.com