Amazon: privacy policy upsets the public

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Amazon: solid Q1 performance

US e-tailer Amazon has reported robust uplifts in both sales, and crucially, profits in the three months to March 31. Both its domestic and international divisions delivered sound performances - shrugging off fears of declining consumer confidence. As the benefits of its recent move into new product areas filter through, the recovery of Amazon's bottom line is set to continue.

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Amazon: time to grow up

Amazon's net income fell 43% to $199 million in the fourth quarter, despite a 20% rise in sales. As a maturing business, Amazon needs to strengthen its initiatives on maintaining and boosting margins or lose out to heightened competition in the online arena.

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American Apparel: t-shirt retailer finds public partner

Having agreed to be purchased by public investment company Endeavor Acquisition Corp, American Apparel will now be in a position to ramp up its aggressive expansion plans throughout the world. The deal will enable the retailer to reach public status more quickly than the traditional IPO but also without much of the inspection normally associated with this process.

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American Eagle Outfitters: adapting trends for its casual teen market

American Eagle Outfitters' August performance stands out above its competition. It posted like-for-like sales growth of 11.0%, outperforming main rivals Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (+6.0%), Gap Inc (-7.0%) and Aeropostale Inc. (+3.3%). Its ability to adapt to emerging trends from its core audience looks set to keep it ahead.

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An extra life for the pre-owned games market?

Following a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that software authors cannot oppose the resale of licenses, the games industry now has to work out what the consequences will be. The ruling comes at a time of evolution in the supply of video games to customers, placing games retailers at risk of losing out on the lucrative pre-owned market.

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Ann Summers: repositioning its lingerie offer

Ann Summers's plans to give its stores a more upmarket feel will mean moving its famous pleasure toys to the back of its stores and changing shop layouts so that the focus is very much on its lingerie range. However, due to its renowned image, changing consumer perception of the brand will be challenging, especially amid the intense competition that the retailer faces in the lingerie market.

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Ann Taylor Stores: disappointing Q2 offset by new concept plans

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation has reported a disappointing first half. Announcing second quarter results to August 4, 2007, the company revealed declining comparable store sales at both Ann Taylor (-3.4%) and Loft (-10.8%). These were offset by store openings and Internet sales, producing a 0.7% uplift overall. The company forecasts a better second half with a major growth opportunity in 2008.

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Apple: iPhone set to benefit mobile market

The launch of the Apple iPhone will impact the entire UK mobile phone sector. Apple's chosen partners O2 and Carphone Warehouse will obviously benefit most for the time being, but the launch will also stimulate the wider market.

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Aquascutum: bought by Jaeger owner

The new owner Harold Tillman's success at Jaeger bodes well for the future of Aquascutum and marks the end of a difficult period for the brand. While the current economic climate has negatively impacted demand for luxury products, Verdict believes that this acquisition should prove beneficial to the brand over the long term.

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