'Tank tourism': holidays not over yet

The EU commissioner responsible for tax and customs-related issues is set to table a proposal to raise the minimum level of diesel tax imposed by member states, in a bid to cut down on 'tank tourism.' However, given the lukewarm reception that the proposal has received so far, and the fact that unanimity is required, the proposal is unlikely to be adopted.

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007 comes to physical video's rescue

The British Video Association has revealed that total video sales were up 10.1% in Q1 2013, with physical increasing by 7.2%. This goes against the trend of continued decline, but should only be seen as a minor - and artificially inflated - fillip rather than a recovery, with digital (including streaming) continuing to gain ground at a rapid rate (55.1% over the same quarter a year ago).

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2009 will see the worst high street growth on record

Pressure on the high street will not ease after Christmas and is set to intensify in 2009. Excluding sales at grocery multiples and over the internet, high street retail spending will shrink by over 4%, the largest drop in over 40 years. Negative growth at a time of increasing costs could potentially wipe GBP3.6 billion off the collective profits of leading retailers in 2009.

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2011 was nothing for retailers to write home about

2011 was a challenging year for retail, particularly for those in home-related sectors. A stagnant housing market prevented many first-time buyers from getting on the property ladder, and homeowners were reluctant to sell in a buyer's market.

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7-Eleven: banking 24-7

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7-Eleven: expanding at a cost

7-Eleven has announced a Q4 net loss of $11.5 million compared to a gain of $17.1 million for Q4 2001. Despite this, the outlook for the company remains strong for 2003. As it continues to improve efficiency and expand, 7-Eleven must take care not to stretch resources too thinly.

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7-Eleven: shaping the convenience industry

Dallas-based 7-Eleven [SE] has grown to become a giant in the convenience store business, in terms of both sales and the immense influence it exercises over the product mix in the industry. Its commitment to product innovation has proved profitable but manufacturer support is required to sustain the flow of new products into the future.

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A tough Christmas beckons for retailers, but the worst may already be over

There is no doubt that 2005 has been a dreadful year on the high street and as the festive season approaches, most retailers are extremely cautious about their prospects. However, while the economic news has been highly discouraging for those retailers awaiting an upturn in their fortunes, according to retail specialists Verdict there may soon be light at the end of the tunnel ...

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A&P: vintage grocer loses its frills

Following A&P's Q2 loss of $144.7 million, the company is turning to budget-conscious shoppers to boost flagging sales. Its new Food Basics 'mini-supermarkets' take their concept from the increasingly popular dollar stores. However, Food Basics will only pose competition for the likes of Wal-Mart if A&P can maintain low prices and consistent product availability.

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Abercrombie & Fitch: plans for a major overseas presence

In the fourth quarter to February 03, 2007, Abercrombie & Fitch's net income increased 20% to $198.2 million, and in the year to February 2007, net sales increased 19% to $3.3 billion. Although these results are very respectable, the US retailer is a mature brand in its domestic market, and has set its sights on 'explosive' growth internationally, beginning with London in March 2007.

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