Spending in pubs surges as Brits flock to beer gardens May 28, 2025 Pubs enjoyed a boost in April during the sunny spring weather as Brits opted for outdoor beer gardens over indoor restaurants. Like-for-like sales growth at pubs reached 9.1 per cent year on year, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker. Sales across all hospitality outlets were 4.2 per cent ahead of April 2024 [...]
Consumer confidence improves in early sign that ‘the worst has passed’ May 23, 2025 Three major measures of consumer confidence all found an improvement in Brits’ economic sentiment in May, promoted by easing trade tensions and a cut in interest rates. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by three points to -20 in May after dropping in ‘Awful April’ on inflation fears. “The measure for personal finances looking ahead [...]
Wetherspoon, Marston’s and Young’s manage to fend off UK pubs crisis – for now May 13, 2025 Some of the UK’s biggest pub chains – JD Wetherspoon, Marston’s and Young’s – have all proved surprisingly resilient in avoiding the hospitality crisis predicted last Autumn. The London-listed companies have all reported better-than-expected trading over the last year, despite very low business and consumer confidence. In an update to markets this morning, Marston’s reported [...]
UK retail sales surge at the fastest rate in four years April 25, 2025 Retail sales unexpectedly rose in March as shoppers were boosted by good weather, according to new data. Retail sales volumes rose by 0.4 per cent in March 2025, following 0.7 per cent rise in February, according to the Office for National Statistics. Quarterly sales volumes rose by 1.6 per cent quarter on quarter and 1.7 [...]
Asos shares spike on positive trading update March 21, 2025 Asos shares rose by over a fifth this morning after the company posted a better than expected market update. The e-commerce retailer told markets that it expects a “significant improvement in profitability” this year, adding that its own brand full-price sales have returned to growth. Investors reacted positively to the news. Asos’ share price had [...]
DIY sales support Wickes as big-ticket items still off the table March 20, 2025 Wickes has reported another drop in big-ticket home improvement sales as Brits continue to shy away from large purchases. The company also announced a new share buyback programme of £20m, which will start in April 2025. The retailer reported a one per cent drop in revenue in the year ended December 28, from £1.5bn last [...]
Pubs and bars to go into extra time if Lionesses score at Women’s Euros February 24, 2025 Pubs are set to be allowed to stay open until 1am if the Lionesses reach the latter stages of the Women’s Euros this summer. The Home Office wants to push back closing time at pubs and bars by two hours if England make it to the semi-finals or final of Women’s Euro 2025. The Lionesses [...]
Wickes: Share price jumps as recovery gets underway January 28, 2025 Wickes has reported an uptick in the revenue for the second half of the year, driven by small retail purchases and lower losses in its installation segment. The company’s share rose more than 10 per cent in early trades. Revenue at the home improvement firm rose by 1.8 per cent in the six months ending [...]
UK economy to stage ‘welcome recovery’ thanks to consumer rebound January 6, 2025 The firm forecast that GDP will increase by 1.7 per cent over 2025, double the 0.8 per cent expansion anticipated for 2024.
UK adults spent more on Black Friday than they invested the entire year. Something’s gone wrong! December 6, 2024 When the average UK adult spends more on Black Friday than they invest in an entire year, it’s clear we’re losing the battle for consumer attention.