How many major high street retailers will go into administration in 2012?

We are starting a monthly question on our Facebook page.  

We have already seen two company administrations this month at Barratts and Thomas Cook, and an announced restructuring of La Senza.  This could cost thousands of jobs and lead to the closing of up to 550 stores.  Not good news for the high street.

So this month we ask: How many major high street retailers will go into administration next year?

Please let us know your opinion by clicking here and completing this simple poll.

A naught Christmas with Agent Provocateur

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for your wife, girlfriend then you can't go far wrong with one of these sexy pieces from Agent Provocateur.

Make her feel like a goddess, as this sensual range of lingerie complements her beautiful body.

Naughty sexy gift: Renee

Iconic, retro style Agent Provocateur in signature black and baby pink tones. Renee is a seductive pin up look created in the finest Italian satin, sensual French cotton lace and sheer point d'esprit.

Sculpting Corsets & Basques

Beautifully engineered and classically designed corsets and basques by Agent Provocateur hold you in all the right places to create a stunning hourglass silhouette.


Signature Black and Pink

Beautiful lingerie and nightwear in Agent Provocateur’s signature black and pink never fails to please.

Sensual Nightwear

Tantalise, conceal…and reveal in a luxurious layer of Agent Provocateur nightwear. Explore our eye-catching selection of nightwear, including sexy slips, babydolls, sensual butter soft silk pyjamas and gowns created in the most luxurious fabrics for early to bed appeal.

Classic Black

You can’t go wrong with classic black lace. Agent Provocateur offers a luxurious selection in black ranging from timeless lingerie sets and sensual nightwear, to decadent bedding.

WEELY PICKS - French Connection

Stay stylish this winter and take a look at the fabulous collections available at French Connection this week:


*Sonic Smoke Strappy Jumpsuit*
£65.00
£130.00

*Feisty Felt Coat*
£90.00 - £180.00

*Winter Bex Beads Dress On Sale*
£75.00 - £150.00



*Jade Platform Court Shoes*
£96.00
£120.00

*Twinkle Leather Bag*

£80.00
£160.00

Cross Border Retailing | UK Retailers Selling Products Abroad

Since the start of the credit crunch in 2007 the value of the British Pound has fallen sharply against a whole range of currencies.  Although many of us complained that this has put up the price of petrol and increased the cost of foreign holidays, we were reassured that this would be a boon for the UK economy, as exporters provided the world with cheaper British goods. 

So far the evidence as to how much the fall in the Pound has helped UK exporters is mixed.  Indeed, during 2010 the current account deficit actually increased as imports rose faster than exports.

One area of the economy that should be able to take advantage of the fall in the value of the British Pound is the retail sector, which has the size and technical capacity to take advantage of the relative cheapness of UK goods.  London regularly attracts large numbers of overseas shoppers however the country’s retailers could be taking advantage of their competitive pricing by delivering directly to people’s homes throughout the European Union and across the globe.

But is the fall in the value of the Pound, really compensating for the increased delivery cost of buying from another country?  Well not always, but with some estimating that the Pound is currently around 20% undervalued against the Euro, there are saving to be had.  In addition to this the delivery cost to mainland Europe is not generally prohibitively more than the delivery cost within the UK.  For example, Debenhams charges delivery of £4.00 in the UK and £7.00 in mainland Europe.

Unlike other countries with more highly regulated retail sectors, such as in France, the UK also benefits from regular sales periods.  During sales periods in the UK, it is difficult for retailers to stand out from the crowd as every store is slashing prices.  By heavily promoting these discounts in other countries, UK retailers could be very attractive to foreign customers. 

Furthermore, faced with intensive domestic competition, the UK retail sector is one of the most efficient in the world and has been able to keep costs down through a refined supply chain, well managed systems and tough negotiations with suppliers.  This level of efficiency has been passed through to the consumer, who has for many years benefitted from falling real prices.  Again, this should help UK retailers look attractive when compared to less efficient operations in other countries.

Finally, the UK benefits from a diverse range of retailers and products.  Given the UK consumers love for shopping and the countries relative size and affluence, it has one of the most vibrant retail sectors in the world, selling new and innovative products.  In addition to the price benefits of buying things price in British Pounds, overseas consumers could also benefit from a whole new range of products.

Almost all major retailers in the UK have a transactional website, where customers can browse and purchase goods at their leisure, using their home computer, smart phone or tablet.  However, not all these websites are set up to handle purchases made by overseas customers.  Although the logistics of expanding deliveries abroad may be somewhat difficult, the challenge is by no means insurmountable, and without which these retailers are denying themselves access to hundreds of millions of potential customers.

Those retailers that currently do not delivery abroad should start by looking towards the major markets in Europe such as German, France, Italy and Spain, being within the European Union, there are fewer barriers to entering into these markets, whilst their proximity should keep delivery costs relatively low.  Once established in these major European markets, the retailer could look to expand further, if the benefits are judged to outweigh the costs.

There are few retailers that would not benefit from a well run international delivery function.  Although the cost of implementing and running this service will be too high for some retailers, there are some large UK retailers that are currently missing out on an opportunity to grow sales, spread their brand internationally and potentially lay the foundations for full international expansion.

Retail is one of the most important parts of the UK domestic economy, if it can take full advantage of the weakness of the British Pound and recent technological changes; it has the potential to continue to thrive despite a tough retailing environment at home.

Guess the gift competition outtakes - John Lewis

Guess the gift competition outtakes - John Lewis:

'via Blog this'

New jacket from Jaegar - The Gloucester

The Gloucester Jacket £360.00

New lingerie and Thora dress from Agent Provocateur

Margot

Bring out your inner femme fatale with the striking and luxurious Margot. Made from intricate stretch black lace, Margot wraps around your curves in a clever bandage like motion and creates a beautiful feminine silhouette.

Evalyn

Take ladylike glamour to a new level with Evalyn, adorned with intricate floral embroidery in signature black and pink.

Just in! Thora dress

The decadent and ultra stylish Thora is designed to sculpt and support your curves. Luxurious French puppytooth silk jacquard is paired with striking scarlet satin flashes and vintage style buttons.

The range is inspired by Dior's ‘New Look’ of the 1940’s. The irresistible Thora takes underwear as outerwear to a new level.

TJ Hughes - Another 22 stores to close

TJ Hughes stores in Shrewsbury, Birkenhead, Dumfries, Dundee, Rochdale, Widnes, Wolverhampton, Stretford, Bolton, Boscombe, Burnley, Chester, Crawley, Hull, Kettering, Kidderminster, Macclesfield, Nuneaton, St Helens, Walsall, Watford and Weston-super-Mare will close between 10 and 14 August 2011.

All the latest new products from John Lewis

Some fantastic new products at John Lewis this week, new arrivals on Electricals!

Below are all the lastest from Home and Garden and Fashion and Beauty!

NEW Electrical and Technology arrivals:

New Arrival from Sony – HDR-TD10 HD 1080p 3D Camcorder
£1,399

Panasonic Lumix – DMC-S3 Olympic Edition Camera Kit
£119.95

Code:

Toshiba Qosmio X770-107 3D Laptop
£1,699

Fashion and Beauty

Mango Woven Belt
£22.90

Mint Velvet Leather Biker Jacket
£225

Dune Sanctuary Faux Pony Skin Court Shoe
£70

Home and Garden
John Lewis Palma Bistro Set
£65

John Lewis Michelangelo Glassware
£22

Barlow Tyrie Monaco Folding Outdoor Side Chair
£295

Austin Reed dress the Dragon's Den

Austin Reed got some great coverage in the Daily Mail this weekend dressing Peter and Duncan from the Dragon's Den.

Grey Sharkskin Suit

Make style your priority with this single breasted, two-button grey sharkskin suit from our contemporary-fit Chelsea range. Made from 100% Super 100's wool, the jacket features a notch collar, front-flap pockets, a breast pocket, a double vent to the reverse and buttoned cuffs. The flat-front suit trousers feature a French bearer fastening for a streamlined waist and kick tape ribbons to reinforce the hem.
Was £399.00
Now £199.00

Blue Sharkskin Jacket

This single breasted, two-button blue sharkskin suit jacket is part of our contemporary-fit Chelsea range. Featuring a notch collar, front-flap pockets, a breast pocket, buttoned cuffs and made from 100% wool woven in Italy it will show everyone you mean business.

£265.00

Urban Outfitters sale

Urban Outfitters sale is now on with up to 70% off. Including this smashing cardigan!

Staring At Stars Kimono Cardigan
Was £48.00
Now £22.00

Final Reductions in the Summer Sale at Agent Provocateur – now up to 75% off!

Receive amazing discounts on luxurious products including the iconic Love range in red and cream, beautiful slips and kimonos, impactful jewellery and flirty knickers starting at just £5.


Love Lingerie Set: £165 £30

Iconic Love set, created with exquisite French leavers lace, Love is a classic you can't live without!
Love Bra: £95 £20
Love Full Brief: £70 £10
Love Thong: £55 £10



Nikita set: £115 £30

The smooth and seductive Nikita set featuring an uplifting demi bra is extremely sexy yet gives great support.
Nikita Demi Bra: £75 £20
Nikita Brief: £40 £10

Spring/Summer 2011 collection at Agent Provocateur

Pamelina

Laurie

Juno

Lorna

Joseline

Royal Rubbers - More Tacky (and funny) Royal Wedding Memorabilia

Okay...so these are so so much better than the Ducks.

"Lie Back and Think of England"...beautiful!

http://www.crownjewelscondoms.com

Funniest Royal Wedding Memorabilia so far...

Now I have seen it all...Royal Wedding fever has reached new heights.  This is the gift for Gran this Christmas!

Let me know if you see any other funny and fantastic Royal Wedding Collectors items as I would love to feature them here.  FANTASTIC :)

Royal Wedding Commemorative Collection
Swarovski Happy Prince & Princess Set £79.00

Bit of a sale at Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters have cut the price on some of their clothing ranges.

I'm a big fan of the Sparkle & Fade Asymmetric Pocket Tee which looks very sexy in my opinion!

Sparkle & Fade Drape Dress
Was £45.00
Now £22.00

Sparkle & Fade Asymmetric Pocket Tee
Was £25.00
Now £15.00

Cooperative Silk Printed Trousers
Was £45.00
Now £22.00

Vaudeville & Burlesque Frill Bust Playsuit
Was £75.00
Now £20.00

Silence + Noise Raw Edge Zip Through Skirt
Was £45.00
Now £10.00

Get the Royal Look...Do you really want it?

I know everyone is going Royal crazy at the moment with the wedding of Wills and Kate but does this mean we all want to look like the Royals...even the relatively minor Royals?

Debenhams has launched a "Get the Look" Royal range. It gives tips on how to look like Kate Middleton, which seems fair enough because she is flavour of the month, and a very beautiful and fashionable women.

But it also says we can look like Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Don't get me wrong they are lovely ladies...but have they reached fashion icon status? Do you want to look like them?

Check out the Kate and Princesses look here to make up your mind.

La Tasca Voucher - Buy One Get One Free

You can download a voucher from La Tasca here that lets you buy one tapas dish and get a second one free.

The offer runs until 21 April. Terms and conditions listed on the promotion voucher.

http://www.latasca.co.uk/promotions/bogof

Urban Outfitters latest holiday collection

With the first blast of sun last week Urban Outfitters are now getting everyone ready for summer.

Although it may not even be Easter yet the sexy Urban Outfitters bikini and summer clothing collections will definitely be getting you in the mood for the sun.

So if you're off for an early break in the sun or just keeping your fingers crossed for an early heatwave its definitely worth checking out these bits and pieces.

Cheap Monday Ocean Bikini Set
£30.00

Cheap Monday White Oksana Swimsuit
£40.00

Two-Tone Twist Bandeau Bikini
£28.00

Berry Plastic Round Sunglasses
£16.00

Neon Frame Sunglasses
Web Exclusive

£16.00

Kimchi & Blue Printed Swing Tank
£35.00

Large Brim Fedora
£22.00