Dobbies: bright prospects ahead

Although Dobbies lost momentum in the second half of the year as the wet summer months took their toll on its core categories; diversified product ranges and enhanced services kept Dobbies in positive like-for-like territory. With the financial muscle of Tesco now feeding through and a plethora of new initiatives, Dobbies is in a strong position to ride out difficult UK conditions going forward.

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Dobbies: impressive performance in difficult market

Dobbies, the UK's second largest garden center operator, has reported a 13.1% rise in operating profits in preliminary results for the 52 weeks to October 31 as new stores and shrewd diversification boosted sales. While Dobbies can afford to accelerate its growth rate, it is loath to compromise its sector leading margins.

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Dobbies: ripe for picking

Despite a difficult spring, Dobbies' interim results are strong and the continued expansion of the Scottish chain into the south is likely to bring the retailer into direct competition with rival Wyevale. However, a possible merger could be on the horizon, as retail entrepreneur Tom Hunter has a large stake in both.

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Dobbies: Tesco wins bidding war

Tesco's critics often accuse it of reducing competition by raising the bar for smaller retailers, but in relation to its acquisition of Dobbies, Tesco's intervention could create a genuine heavyweight able to provide gardening shoppers with a much needed alternative to UK market leader Wyevale.

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Dobbies: the latest target for Tesco

Tesco's decision to pounce on garden center chain Dobbies is a surprising development, but one which will give Tesco a better platform for growth in the UK gardening sector. However, to maximize the potential that Dobbies offers, Tesco will have to play its hand carefully.

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eCommerce and fuel retailing: mobile initiatives to take the lead

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El Corte Ingles faces challenging year despite strong portfolio

El Corte Ingles, the giant Spanish conglomerate, has unveiled a 4.7% rise in turnover for the year ending February 2008 and continues to expand apace regardless of Spain's macroeconomic plight and consumer downturn. However, despite boasting strong credentials, Spain's largest retailer may yet suffer the full impact of what could be a prolonged slump.

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Esso/Tesco: teaming up for forecourt growth

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European autos: dealers pull over for supermarkets

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European eCommerce: an opportunity for service stations

eFulfillment is one of the weak points in eCommerce. Gas stations are in the perfect position to set up collection points, and will benefit from the extra revenues and added footfall. Texaco is already on the case and, with supermarkets as a potential rival, forecourt operators will have to move soon if they want a piece of the action.

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