Business Reporter

All successful businesses need good people. When it comes to recruiting the right staff, training and getting the best out of them, the retail sector is ahead of the game At the end of last year the number of young people out of work in the UK hit 1m. The news came hot on the [...]

Forget the pennies or even the pound coins. With several major players getting involved, contactless payment could soon be the way to spend The Brits are often mocked for their love of queuing, but retailers are all too aware that there is a tipping point. For two-fifths of us, it comes after just two minutes, [...]

Not all retailers have struggled during tough economic times – outlet stores are celebrating after a very happy Christmas With customers hungrier than ever for a bargain, outlet centres have posted some impressive Christmas figures. McArthurGlen, the designer outlet group which has seven UK centres, reported a sales and footfall increase of 11.6 per cent [...]

Government-appointed retail expert Mary Portas has set her sights on bringing economic and community life back to our high streets Portas ’s independent review, unveiled in December last year, makes 28 recommendations on what can be done – by government, local authorities and business – to help high streets become more prosperous and diverse. And [...]

From Amazon lockers to personal stylists, retailers across the country are looking at new ways to enhance the consumers’ shopping experience Leading shopping centres such as Bluewater in Kent and Manchester’s Trafford Centre are working with retailers on new ways to attract customers and boost spending. Trevor Pereira, commercial director of Capital Shopping Centres – [...]

Ease of access, fast delivery, now even virtual changing rooms…new ways of developing the online world are paying off as sales continue to grow Christmas came late for some retailers in 2011. On Boxing Day, there were 96m UK internet visits – a 19 per cent jump from the previous year, according to Experian Hitwise. [...]

Whether it’s US chains setting up in the UK, or British firms eyeing overseas markets, many businesses are looking abroad for their next move The UK market is a tough nut to crack but despite the economic woes of the past few years, those from across the Atlantic haven’t been put off. Clothing retailer Forever [...]