This ad will be closed automatically in X seconds.

In the news this week… Retail Round-up

Including Argos outperforming Sainsbury’s in the first nine weeks of the year.

The Source rounds up some of the key retail stories of the week.

Argos outperformed Sainsbury’s in the nine weeks to March 11, new results revealed earlier this week. Argos reported a like for like rise of 4.3%, with good contributions from technology including mobile phones, video games, wearable teach and sports equipment. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s like for likes dipped 0.5%. However, sales at fashion brand Tu increased 5%. Sales of general merchandise were held back by the later timing of both Mother’s Day and Easter.

House of Fraser is to cut the number of brands it sells, according to The Times. The report says the department store chain will cull up to 40 of the 677 third-party brands it sells, as well as cutting the number of own-labels it produces from nine to five. There are also plans to relaunch the retailer’s website, refocusing its business to target older women under the new turnaround plans by its Chinese owners.

Sports Direct has raised its interest in department store Debenhams to over 11%. According to The Times, Sports Direct has increased its position in Debenhams through a ‘contracts for differences’ arrangement.

Ted Baker has unveiled interactive store windows as part of its shoppable film campaign for spring/summer.

John Lewis is to launch an own-brand denim collection – And/Or. The 90-piece range will target the younger consumer.

Meanwhile, John Lewis saw its sales increase 7% to £76.5 million thanks to warmer weather and preparations for Mother’s Day in the week to March 14. Fashion sales increased 11.1% during the period, while beauty, wellbeing and leisure products grew 18.1% and electrical, home and technology increased 7.5%.

Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.

MORE NEWS
LA24500x500
 
It's May and that means that the entry deadline for The Licensing Awards 2024 is approaching - with a closing date of Thursday 30 May 2024....
RoyalMailPeppa500x500
 
"Getting mail in the post is an exciting and special treat for little ones, and we cannot think of a better way for families to embrace this first experience than with Peppa Pig stamps from Royal Mail."...
H&MPantone500x500
 
H&M Home has unveiled its second collection with Pantone, using two colour palettes - Zesty & Fresh and Sweet & Juicy - playing with the idea of flavour, taste and hues....
RainbowKristina500x500
 
Kristina Sundby brings over seven years of retail experience in categories including party and celebrations to the company....
RainbowBrite500x500
 
Hallmark is marking a major anniversary this year, with an extensive licensing programme in celebration of Rainbow Brite’s 40th anniversary....
StationeryAwards500x500
 
A number of licensing companies and brands have been named as finalists in the Stationery Awards 2024, which take place on the first evening of the London Stationery Show (Tuesday 14 May)....
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.