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Festive joy for online retailer ONLINE retailer Activinstinct reported a sales surge over the festive period with an increase in sales in Europe. The company reports an increase in sales of 68 per cent compared to last year – which it put down to a boost in sales in Europe after launching a French website in April and German website in early December. Like-for-like sales in the UK were up by 34 per cent. CEO Michael Thornhill said: “Whilst European sales have given the company’s overall turnover a boost, the last few weeks accounting for
around 36 – 40 per cent of turnover, demand in the UK remains very strong and we are running ahead of forecast. “It may be the case that the forthcoming London Olympics is making an impression since all our sporting categories are performing well, especially running, tennis, football and fitness.” Activinstinct is currently forecasting an increase in sales by 40 per cent and profits by 70 per cent in its current financial year.
July sales promotion INDEPENDENT retailer month will be held in July to encourage people to support their local shops and promote small businesses. The event – founded by Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha Fashion week and Tom Shay, of Profits Plus – aims to support the independent retail sector by
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offering support, expertise and to remind consumers of the benefits of supporting local merchants. A spokesman said: “Independent Retailer Month is a ‘shop local’ campaign that runs throughout July 2012 to highlight the important role local merchants play in the community economy and overall retail sector.”
The man responsible for creating the iconic British handbag label Mulberry has become an ambassador for his home town of Somerset. Roger Saul (pictured above) has teamed up with ‘Into Somerset’ to promote the county and inspire new entrepreneurs. He said: “Somerset is one of the most magical counties in England. I have created many different types of business here that have all been people related and there couldn’t be a better location in which to work and live. I am delighted to support Into Somerset’s great endeavour to encourage other businesses into the area and am honoured to be an ambassador for the cause.”
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