Ahold to focus on growth

The Dutch retailer says two key board members will relinquish their management duties to take on the task of exploring opportunities ‘in existing and new markets’

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Signet remains wary

The fall in sales at the world’s biggest jeweller may have slowed in the third quarter, but the group said its trading outlook remained uncertain

TM Lewin plans expansion as sales rise

The company looks to open its first standalone women’s wear store in 2010 and launch more Asian outlets after sales of its tailored shirts, suits and ties increased in spite of the downturn

US shoppers still cautious in October

US chain retailers’ October sales data yesterday underlined shoppers’ cautious mood, with several mainstream retailers showing continuing comparable-sales falls at or below the depths plumbed after last year’s financial crash

Competition hots up as M&S goes into battle

The chief executive of M&S was able to deliver better news than expected news about the company’s sales and pre-tax profits in the half-year to September

Retailers and builders spur recovery hopes

Retailers and housebuilders provided fresh hope of an end to the UK recession on Wednesday, in spite of mixed messages emanating from the financial sector

Rose calls an end to downturn

Sir Stuart Rose, chief executive of M&S, said improving consumer sentiment and the retailer’s moves to cut costs and improve its offering helped interim profits beat forecasts

Sales growth buoys Dunelm

Shares in the furnishings and homeware company jump more than 6% after the group confirmed it would beat consensus forecasts for full-year revenue