The grey pound is set to shine 9 May 2003 In macro terms, Europe s ageing population is bad news. But catering for the aged is a potentially boomy market. In this light, Zara's decision to expand into larger sizes which should appeal to older customers looks a pretty smart move.
Regulator to mull impact of Safeway deal on suppliers 8 May 2003 Maybe the Commission is just covering its bases. But if Safeway is a special case, that would be bad news for its shareholders. The Competition Commission hasn't traditionally been too concerned with the plight of suppliers.
Green shouldn’t get totally clear run at Safeway 6 May 2003 He would. But that's not going to be in the best interest of Safeway shareholders. The retail guru reportedly wants the Takeover Panel to stop rivals under antitrust scrutiny making "conditional" bids before he commits.
Ahold to nominate Anders Moberg as CEO 2 May 2003 Anders Moberg's agreement to take up the cudgel at the tainted Dutch retailer is a big vote of confidence. But the road to rebahilitation remain treacherous not least because Moberg may have to sell core assets in a tricky market.
Boots picks Asda man as CEO 1 May 2003 This is a case of "know your enemy". The highstreet chemist chain is being hounded by the supermarkets. Richard Baker needs to find a way to either develop the group s business or protect it from decline. At least, he seems dynamic.
Safeway battle could fizzle out 1 May 2003 The Big Three supermarkets argue that if they nab Safeway competition should actually improve. But their arguments shouldn t carry the day.
Dixons should escape regulatory crackdown 28 Apr 2003 Electrical retailers' practices in selling extended warranties may owe a lot to the Moroccan souk. And they seem to be very profitable. But that's not a reason for the regulators to get heavyhanded or for shareholders to get too worried.
Somerfield has faith in itself 24 Apr 2003 The British retailer has rejected a £510m approach which was at a 50% premium to its price before the news leaked. But Somerfield doesn t want to check out just now, as it thinks it can crawl out of its hole.
Boots pension trustees in a bind 16 Apr 2003 Trustees of the UK retailer's pension don't want to be seen as kowtowing to the company's directors by putting the fund back into shares. But they should put such considerations aside and weigh up investment strategy alongside their attitude to risk.
Safeway hit by bidding war 15 Apr 2003 However, the outlook for Safeway s profits is deteriorating. Any financial buyers sniffing around will be reassured the grocer s sales haven't completely plunged.
GUS needs to find a solution for home shopping 15 Apr 2003 The dominant agency part of the business is in terminal decline. And managing a shrinking business is full of pitfalls. If GUS isn't in talks with rivals about spinning off the business as recent reports have suggested it might be it should be.
Selfridges gets bid approach 10 Apr 2003 The British department store is a lot more glamorous than other department stores which have previously attracted bid interest. But there's still room to release value. Before news of the bid leaked, it was trading at an 18% discount to NAV.
LVMH Q1 sales down 5.2% 9 Apr 2003 The group has been hit by negative currency impacts. Wars and viruses certainly don't help either. But organic growth looks surprisingly healthy, all things considered.
M&S clothing shrinks 8 Apr 2003 Likeforlike clothes sales at the UK retailer actually fell in Q4, even though it kept market share steady. Marks & Spencer should still squeeze out healthy profits. But its rivals may not be able to.
Benetton set free 1 Apr 2003 Slipping into the red may be the best thing that ever happened to the Italian clothing group. At least the Benetton family, which still owns 69% of the business, is stepping aside.
H&M shows Inditex up 26 Mar 2003 Like Inditex, the Swedish retailer's sales were up less than expected. But the good news is that H&M managed to boost margins.
Inditex cracks 21 Mar 2003 The Spanish retailer tripped over in the fourth quarter. Ebitda was practically flat. Inditex has had a charmed run so far and been valued accordingly. Can this last?
Richemont hit by profit warning 20 Mar 2003 The Swiss group says operating profits will be up to 40% lower than last year. But a chunk of that is a restructuring charge. And investors may take some comfort from that.
Four Safeway bidders to face longer antitrust probe 19 Mar 2003 The shock decision to refer Morrison to the Competition Commission as well as the big three potentially opens the way to financial buyers. Safeway shareholders may yet end up with a heated bidding contest; but they'll have to wait until Augst and even then it's not certain.
Morrison puts best foot forward 17 Mar 2003 The UK supermarket chain's strong results show that its original business model still delivers. Snag is Morrison itself thinks it's going to need Safeway to keep up the pace. And if it wins, it'll be a whole new ball game.