Childrenswear fade in retail sales - Verdict

08 Mar '06

4 min read

Verdict released the retail performance for this week. New figures show that UK GDP expanded by 0.6 per cent in the final quarter of 2005, driven by household spending. There was a 0.7 per cent increase in consumer spending during the three months to December 2005, the largest quarter-on-quarter rise since autumn 2004.

Clothing, fashion and personal care - Private equity firm Apax Partners has been revealed as the bidder for House of Fraser. It is understood that Apax has made contact with the House of Fraser board, although no detailed proposals have been put forward so far.

Matalan has reported a 7.4 per cent decline in like-for-like sales for the 26 weeks to February 25. Total sales, including new space, fell by 5 per cent during the interim period, whilst the 10 weeks since January 7 have seen a 5.5 per cent decline in like-for-like sales.

Phoenix Equity Partners has bought a 50 percent stake in Radley in a £45m deal that will help the handbag firm develop its own retail chain. Although sold in House of Fraser and Debenhams, Phoenix are keen for the brand to become a high street chain, with stores expected to open in Japan and North America by the end of the year.

Gap has announced that total sales fell 6 per cent to $865mn in February despite the launch of its spring collection. Gap International sales also fell 14 per cent.

Green explores Bhs sale but decides to battle on Philip Green has admitted that Bhs profits are likely to be 30 per cent lower than in 2004. Although it is believed that Mr Green has spoken to rivals Debenhams and Asda regarding the possibility of buying Bhs, it is understood that he is resigned to riding through the retail gloom.

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