In the 26 weeks to 29th October, total sales from continuing
operations at entertainment products retailer
HMV fell 17.6 percent to £364.9 million.
HMV retail total sales declined 19.4 percent with like-for-likes
down 11.6 percent during the period. The retailer issued a
profits warning after total group loss after tax and exceptional
items plunged to £50.1 million, compared with a loss of
£30.9 million the previous year.
Aurora Fashions, which operates apparel brands
Coast, Oasis and
Warehouse, has made two new hires and announced
two internal moves. Jennifer Roebuck, formerly head of digital
and ecommerce at French Connection, joins Warehouse as marketing
director in February 2012. Kim Elliott will join Coast as design
director in March 2012, having worked at Monsoon Accessorize for
the past 17 years within design. Hash Ladha, Aurora’s current
group multichannel director becomes deputy managing director at
Oasis in the New Year-a newly created role. Ish Patel, who holds
the post of group strategic development director at Aurora
Fashions, is promoted to group omnichannel director and will take
on responsibility for IT, distribution, business development and
the multichannel technical teams.
Thanks to improvements made in its interactive upholstery and
made-to-measure curtain range on its website, online sales at
Laura Ashley grew 9 percent in the first 19
weeks of the second half to 10 December 2011. Total sales during
the period rose 1.7 percent.
Wellington boot specialist Hunter has been
acquired by Searchlight Capital Partners for an undisclosed sum.
Its existing shareholders, which include Lord Marland of Odstock
and former Thomas Pink chief executive Peter
Mullen, retain a minority stake.
Profits at online grocer Ocado are expected to
be below market expectations as capacity constraints at its
warehouse put pressure on delivery and accuracy. Analysts had
previously anticipated a profit of £34.2 million, but Ocado
has told the City is forecasts no more than £28.5 million
for the full year.
Tim Curtis, managing director, Northern Europe at Lands’
End, is to join Ideal Shopping Direct
as multichannel director.
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