Festive findings

Despite gloomy predictions, UK retail sales growth in the fourth quarter of 2006 was consistently ahead of 2005. However, for many retailers growth has come at the expense of margin and, with 2007 set to be a much more challenging year, new research believes there are lessons to be learnt from the key trends that have emerged.

Retailers must learn from key Christmas trends

19 January 2007

UK: Asos shipped 710,000 items over festive period

17 January 2007

Online retailer Asos has reported that during a strong festive period it shipped 710,000 items.

UK: Tesco tops Christmas sales expectations

16 January 2007

Delivering its Christmas trading update today (16 January), Tesco revealed expectation-beating Christmas sales, which were boosted by premium, online and clothing sales.

UK: John David encouraged by sports sales

11 January 2007

The John David Group has reported strong trading driven by the performance of its core sports division.

UK: JJB shows good holiday performance, denies bid offer

10 January 2007

Sporting goods retailer JJB Sports has posted a second-half revenue climb, helped along by encouraging festive sales.

UK: Improved UK trading helped by clothing, shoe sales

9 January 2007

UK retail sales edged up 2.5% on a like-for-like basis last month, according to the latest report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

UK: M&S continues on road to recovery after another strong quarter

9 January 2007

Recovering retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) is cautiously optimistic on future trading after posting higher organic sales for its sixth quarter in a row.

UK: House of Fraser rides high after festive success

5 January 2007

Recently acquired House of Fraser said it enjoyed strong seasonal trading with a 7.3% four-week same-store sales rise and its best Christmas week ever.