WHSmith brand to disappear from UK high streets as sale agreed
Amrit VirdiThe retailer has sold its high street branches, but retains its WHSmith travel retail proposition, which now makes up 75% of its revenue.
Next ups international marketing spend as it reaches £1bn in profit
Amrit VirdiAs it looks to expand internationally, Next is increasing its focus on measuring marketing incrementally.
Consumer confidence far from a picture of ‘robust health’ despite small rise
Josh StephensonDespite a slight increase in sentiment regarding the general economic situation, GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer shows negligible improvement.
McDonald’s replaces Starbucks as the ‘most valuable’ restaurant brand
Niamh CarrollMcDonald’s is the world’s most valuable restaurant brand, according to Brand Finance, as previous incumbent Starbucks suffers from “growing misalignment” with customers.
Marketoonist on navigating uncertainty
Tom FishburneTom Fishburne is founder of Marketoon Studios. Follow his work at marketoonist.com or on Twitter @tomfishburne See more of the Marketoonist here
Abercrombie & Fitch bets on marketing to ‘amplify’ UK growth
Amrit VirdiAbercrombie & Fitch credits its customer first ethos for fuelling a “record” fourth quarter, with the retailer claiming to have achieved sustainable profit growth.
Ocado praises ‘effective marketing’ for driving customer growth
Amrit VirdiOcado reports bigger basket sizes and more frequent shops, as the online retailer credits marketing’s part in “terrific year”.
How can brands navigate increasingly divisive consumer opinion?
Jennifer BenderPolitics is becoming increasingly divisive – and marketers need to prepare and adapt for an uncertain future. Doing nothing will only leave your brand in a difficult position.
AI search, deepfakes, justifying marketing spend: 5 interesting stats to start your week
Jasper BaumannWe arm you with all the numbers you need to tackle the week ahead.
Marketers still grappling with ‘weak’ consumer confidence despite uptick
Grace GollaschDespite all measures on GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index increasing in February, the way people view the general economic situation looking ahead is worse than a year ago.
Nestlé CEO: Product and price must be right before investment in advertising
Niamh CarrollThe KitKat and Nescafé owner plans to recover its advertising and promotional investment to 2019 levels as it chases long-term growth.
Unilever increases marketing investment to highest level in over a decade
Niamh CarrollThe consumer goods business is concentrating investment behind its most profitable brands and bigger innovation bets.
Marketoonist on digital distractions
Tom FishburneTom Fishburne is founder of Marketoon Studios. Follow his work at marketoonist.com or on X @tomfishburne See more of the Marketoonist here
Marketoonist on formulaic advertising
Tom FishburneTom Fishburne is founder of Marketoon Studios. Follow his work at marketoonist.com or on X @tomfishburne See more of the Marketoonist here
M&S commits to delivering ‘trusted value’ as it cuts kidswear prices
Amrit VirdiAs well as investing in price, Marks & Spencer wants to ensure its clothing is designed to last as it believes “value is more than just the product’s price”.