Competition in action - M&S to sell top brand names

Marks and Spencer have recently lost market share in part due to the emergence of Waitrose but also due to shoppers trading down supermarkets due to the recession. Well M&S have decided to fight back.

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Price war in the mortgage market?

Competition in most markets is great for the consumer. It can help to drive down prices and improve quality. The market for mortgages is no exception. Nationwide have this week slashed interest rates on their mortgages and are once again offering 95% mortgages. 

Would you have your hair cut in a layby?

‘Ben the Barber’ has set up in a lay by on the A6 near Luton. Having been a hairdresser in a conventional shop he found the overheads getting larger and larger and was struggling to cope. As this video shows he bought a mobile shop and eventually his business has grown.

Would you buy a car on ebay?

General Motors in America certainly thinks people will. In an attempt to recapture market share and reduce costs GM are going to sell their cars online. At first the pilot scheme will be launched in California. 

Waitrose overtaking M&S

I like to think that I have played my part in this story. Since moving to Cheltenham last year I have discovered Waitrose and quite frankly I would now be lost without them. Waitrose have this week announced weekly sales growth of 12.1%. Waitrose now hold 4.2% of sales in the market compared to 3.7% of sales by M&S.

Return of the Wispa Gold

Who remembers the Wispa Gold? Many people say the last 6 years have not been the same since Cadbury decided to withdraw sales of Wispa Gold. A facebook campaign has persuaded them to start production again for a limited time.

Standing room only

Question - would you opt for a cheaper ticket on a plane if it meant you didn’t get a seat? I don’t think I would! Well one airline in China is considering submitting plans to the aviation regulator to allow some passengers to buy standing tickets. 

Are we ready for Wimbledon?

As the start of Wimbledon approaches not only will we be thinking of watching great tennis but also eating strawberries and cream (complementary goods).

Another recession proof item!

Scouring the newspapers at break today, I came across this article about the luxury handbag maker Mulberry. It follows on nicely from my earlier blog on Cadbury and are there any other recession proof goods and services.

Cadbury grows despite recession

As a chocolate lover myself, I just had to write about this! Cadbury announced yesterday improved trading in April and May this year. Are consumers turning to chocolate in times of crisis, as the recession bites needing some comfort?