Agent Provocateur SS12 collection

With summer just around the corner Agent Provocateur are helping everyone get into summer seductive mode with their colourful SS12 collection.


Here are a few of their best sellers that are sure to get everyone in the mood for summer fun:

Rizzo Bra – £85

Rizzo Thong – £45

Lorna Bra – £85

Konchita Bra – £65

Rowana Bra – £110

Rowana Big Brief – £145

Sharp rise in major Retail Administrations cost 3,500 jobs

Proposed job losses and store closures increased in sharply January as difficult economic conditions and squeezed household budgets pushed the likes of Peacocks and Bonmarché, La Senza and Pumpkin Patch into administration.

According to the latest research conducted by The Retail Database’s Administration Watch, job losses directly associated with these January administrations are estimated to be around 3,516, a 360% rise on December and more than ten times higher that January 2011.

Simon Wallace, Managing Economist at The Retail Database, said: “Rising job losses on the high street form part of a vicious cycle of higher unemployment, low confidence and falling consumer spending.”

The results from Administration Watch showed an estimated 295 stores have closed, or are in the process of closing, as a result of administration – a 900% rise on January 2011.

“Although we expect January to be the high point for retail administrations, conditions on the high street will remain difficult and further failures by major retailer should be expected” said Simon Wallace.

Retail Administrations Cost 15,000 Jobs in 2011

The number of major high street administrations surged in 2011, creating a sharp increase in both store closures and job losses. 

According to research conducted by The Retail Database for its new Administration Watch, in 2011 major high street multiples closed a total of 909 stores as a result of falling into administration - a 144% increase on the previous year. 

The corresponding loss of jobs, inclusive of head office and warehouse positions, was estimated to be 14,892 - a 210% increase on 2010. The sharper rise in job losses compared to store closures in part reflects the closure of large scale stores such as TJ Hughes, in which the shutting of one unit not only leaves a large hole in the high street, it also leaves a much larger number of people out of work. 

Despite a marked downturn in the economy during the second half of the year, Junewas the worst month for retail failures with the likes of Habitat, Jane Norman and TJ Hughes falling into administration, leading to a large number of store closures and job losses. 

The outlook for 2012 is one of continued difficulty for the retailing sector. January has already seen some high profile casualties in the form of La Senza, Peacocks, Pumpkin Patch, Blacks / Millets and Past Times. Although not all store closures and job losses associated with these administrations have been decided yet, the figures for this month have already surpassed January 2011.

London 2012 - Merchandise licensee order-books closing soon

The Olympic Games will be a great opportunity for retailers both small and large to capitalise upon thousands of people coming to the UK to watch and enjoy the Olympic experience.

With the production of official London 2012 Olympic merchandise closely controlled by licence, shops will have to order products from a small list of official suppliers.

However, with unprecedented demand, many of these suppliers will soon by closing their order books.  According to London 2012, if retailers haven't placed their order by the end of February they are likely to completely miss out on any official merchandise.

Although I'm sure that all of the big high street stores will be well aware of this, but many smaller retailers won't be. As someone who grew up near Much Wenlock in Shropshire (the birthplace of the modern Olympics), I know that many of the small independent shops on the high street are hoping for a bonanza year, as tourists from home and abroad flock into the town to enjoy the Olympic experience and the many events being held in the lead up to the Games.  It would be a terrible shame if these small shops missed out on this opportunity.

Much Wenlock High Street

For more information about which companies have licences to product official Olympic merchandise: http://issuu.com/themagazineshop/docs/london2012licencingandretail

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