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On the Beach sees continued travel demand as summer bookings soar

2025-08-30 16:13:04 By

New rules could be introduced in Albufeira in Portugal

On the Beach is forecasting another prosperous summer of travel in 2025, following a spike in early bookings.

The London-listed travel company reported a 10% year-on-year increase in total transaction value (TTV), a metric for ticket sales, for the forthcoming summer season, as reported by City AM.

Group TTV for holidays planned from March to June has also seen a 17% rise. According to current booking trends, this summer is set to outperform last year's significantly, although On the Beach maintains its full-year profit forecast, as stated in a market announcement.

CEO Shaun Morton highlighted robust demand for city destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, and Krakow, with package holidays to the Republic of Ireland also proving a hit.

"The success of these early-stage strategic initiatives combined with the growth in our core beach proposition gives me the confidence that summer 2025 will be significantly ahead of summer 2024 and the group will deliver FY25 adjusted pre-tax profit in line with market expectations," added Morton.

This comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for On the Beach, during which the Manchester-based firm capitalised on the soaring demand for European holidays.

The company announced on Tuesday that it had completed 64% of a £25m share buyback scheme initiated in December.

Shares saw an approximate 1% rise in early trading. In their note, Panmure Liberum analysts highlighted the success of On the Beach's "low-cost/no commitment" model in offsetting broader inflationary pressures.

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Hellofresh issues stark sales warning after opening UK site shut and 900 jobs at risk

Hellofresh, the recipe box delivery firm based in Germany, has issued a warning that its sales are likely to drop this year. However, it anticipates an increase in profit as it prolongs its cost-cutting initiative, as reported by City AM. The company announced in the latter half of 2024 that its cost-saving programme would be extended until 2026. Hellofresh predicts a decrease in revenue, on a constant currency basis, of between three and eight per cent in 2025. Despite this, the firm aims to boost its adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), excluding impairment, to between €200m (£168.6m) and €250m, a rise from €136m in 2024. It also expects its adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) to increase to between €450m and €500m in 2025. In a statement, the group said it concluded 2024 "with a strong financial profile that is reflective of the company's focus on pursuing higher profitability and cash flow generation over volume growth". For the past year, Hellofresh reported an adjusted EBITDA of €399.4m, a decrease from the €447.6m it achieved in 2023. Group revenue totalled approximately €7.66bn in 2024, representing a 0.9 per cent year-on-year growth on constant current terms. Dominik Richter, co-founder and CEO of Hellofresh, stated: "In H2 2024 we entered an efficiency reset period." "After five years of solid progress, highlighted by a 34 per cent revenue CAGR and an almost 9x increase in AEBITDA, we are now pursuing the next stage of our strategy." "This stage is initially marked by having to rightsize our cost base across all major categories and improve our unit economics." The company further underscored its commitment to fiscal management: "Driving strong AEBIT and free cash flow performance will enable us to make strategic investments in our product quality, variety and deliciousness in 2025 and beyond." Additionally, enhancing customer relations is a priority: "We are confident that levelling up the customer experience and product will contribute to higher retention of existing customers, and to unlocking new customer segments for the group." Hellofresh is set to announce its full set of results for 2024 on Thursday, 13 March. As reported by City AM towards the end of October 2024, there were plans to shut down one of Hellofresh’s significant UK sites, jeopardising 900 jobs. The Nuneaton distribution facility is expected to continue operations until mid-2025. This 237,000 sqft establishment, inaugurated in 2020, was Hellofresh's second location. Previously, in a month before, City AM disclosed that Hellofresh UK notably reduced its pre-tax loss as it approached the £500m turnover milestone and decreased its workforce by 15 per cent. For 2023, the company posted a pre-tax loss of £755,000 in its Companies House accounts, improving from a loss of £22.1m in 2022. During the same timeframe, the company's turnover rose from £468.4m to £489.9m. The results also revealed a decrease in Hellofresh UK's average workforce from 2,159 to 1,842 within the year.

Harvey Nichols to close Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool ONE

Liverpool ONE is set to lose one of its most prominent retailers as Harvey Nichols' Beauty Bazaar is scheduled to close its doors. The store, situated on Manesty's Lane in the city centre, has been in operation since 2012. The Liverpool Echo. reports that staff were informed of the impending closure on Tuesday. A Harvey Nichols spokesperson revealed that the company is focusing on "full category stores" as part of its growth strategy. They stated: "As we implement our strategy to reposition Harvey Nichols for growth, our emphasis is on full category stores within our estate. "We have reviewed our store portfolio and mutually agreed with the Landlord of our Beauty Bazaar location in Liverpool to surrender the lease as we focus on investment into full-category stores. "Unfortunately, this means that our employees in the Liverpool store may be at risk of redundancy. We have entered into a consultation process and are doing everything we can to support those affected by the surrender." A spokesperson from Liverpool ONE said: "Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols has made an important contribution to Liverpool ONE's success since opening in 2012. We're committed to bringing the best, in-demand brands to Liverpool ONE and we have well-progressed plans to transform the space that will ensure Liverpool ONE continues to go from the strength-to-strength. We look forward to sharing an update soon." The store is expected to close in mid-April. . The store was among the last to resume operations in Liverpool ONE after the nationwide closure of non-essential stores in March 2020. Unlike other retailers, such as Primark, Zara, and Sports Direct, which reopened in June, Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar opted for a phased reopening. Its locations in Knightsbridge, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Manchester reopened between June and August 2020, while the Liverpool store, which features a hair salon, spa, and bar, reopened on September 30, 2020. The three-story Harvey Nichols store in Liverpool ONE offered a range of products and treatments. At its launch in 2012, the store celebrated with a day of pampering, attended by local celebrities and American socialite Olivia Palermo, who cut the ribbon to officially open the store. The decision to open in Liverpool was based on research identifying the city as the UK's second-largest beauty market outside of London. Prior to the store's opening in 2012, Daniela Rinaldi, the retailer's then-group concession and beauty director, stated: "Girls in Liverpool have single-handedly held the banner for glamour. They are groomed within an inch of their lives. They live and breath beauty and this is a thank you to them. "Globally this will be the first time international and premium brands will be housed within such a luxurious environment. It has superseded everyone's expectations and the most used word in this store is 'wow' so it is perfectly in keeping with the name of our fabulous champagne and cocktail bar."

Yeo Valley snaps up gourmet yoghurt maker The Collective

Somerset dairy company Yeo Valley has acquired fellow yoghurt producer The Collective for an undisclosed sum. The Blagdon-based business has struck a deal to take over Epicurean Dairy (UK) Ltd in the UK. The Collective was first established in New Zealand by chefs Angus Allan and Ofer Shenhav, and within 10 months was the country's best-selling selling gourmet yoghurt. The business launched in Britain in 2011 after the pair teamed up with the late Mike Hodgson, former managing director of pudding company GU, and its sales director Amelia Harvey. The Collective makes a range of products including its popular 'Suckies' pouches for children and Greek-style pots with a layer of compote for adults. These will join Yeo Valley's portfolio which includes milk, kefir, butter and yogurt and ice-cream. Rob Sexton, chief executive at Yeo Valley Production, said: "We are delighted to welcome The Collective to the Yeo Valley Production family. The Collective brand is renowned for never compromising on the quality and market-leading taste of its products. Add this to the values of the business, encapsulated in its B-Corp accreditation, and we see this as a perfect fit with Yeo Valley Production. "This agreement will ensure The Collective brand continues to deliver taste-led innovation and great value. Together, we have ambitious plans to drive growth of delicious British dairy. It’s an exciting new chapter for us all." Sarah Smart, chief executive at The Collective UK, said Yeo Valley Production was a "long-time partner" of The Collective and had been "integral" to the brand's growth journey. "The close alignment of the businesses values and visions to deliver natural, healthy, great tasting and sustainable food that is better for people and planet, makes Yeo Valley the perfect home for the next stage of The Collective's growth," she added. “I look forward to The Collective building on this success further and continuing to deliver more great tasting innovative dairy to British fridges.” Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore advised Epicurean Dairy Holdings on the sale.

HMV sales on song as billionaire owner helps turn around high street icon

HMV has reported a significant increase in sales over the past three years under the ownership of Canadian billionaire Doug Putman. The high street retailer recorded a turnover of £189.5m for the 12 months to 30 May, 2024, an increase from the previous year's £177.9m, as reported by City AM. This follows HMV's sales figures of £150.7m in May 2022 and £90.3m in May 2021, a year heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. From February 2019 to May 2020, HMV's sales totalled £187.9m. The company was rescued from administration in February 2019 by Canada's Sunrise Records, saving 100 stores and 1,487 jobs. However, 27 stores were closed and 455 employees were made redundant. The business had previously fallen into administration in December for the second time in six years. . Sunrise Records, founded in 1977, was acquired by Doug Putman in 2014. The latest accounts for HMV, filed with Companies House, reveal a slight decrease in operating profit from £5.2m to £4.9m during its most recent financial year. Over the course of the year, the average number of employees increased from 1,375 to 1,544. . DKB Group Holdings, the parent company of Sunrise Records and Entertainment, reported a rise in turnover from £178.9m to £191.4m, while operating profit dipped from £5.5m to £4.9m. In November, City AM reported that HMV had put a halt to its plans to open additional new stores in 2025, attributing the decision to the government's tax-increasing Budget. The retailer noted the challenges facing high street traffic, stating: "Traffic to the UK high street has been in decline for a number of years as customers increasingly shop online." The company is addressing the risk of reduced footfall by offering unique or collectable products that entice customers to visit HMV stores specifically. "Footfall decline risk is being managed by offering products with sufficient exclusivity or collectability that customers will make specific trips to the HMV stores to shop." HMV also highlighted its investment in e-commerce as a strategy to adapt to changing consumer behaviours. "It has also been managed via continued investment in our e-commerce platform." The statement from the board acknowledged significant trading impacts due to global conflicts and potential oil-driven inflation. "Trading in recent years has been impacted significantly by the conflict in Ukraine and an escalation of the Israel Palestine war could exacerbate oil driven inflation, squeezing consumer spending and driving up silly cost."

Gong Cha: Bubble tea brand to open 225 new UK stores in nationwide expansion

Bubble tea aficionado Gong Cha has unveiled ambitious expansion plans to launch over 225 stores in the UK, a move set to generate nearly 2,000 jobs, following a franchise agreement with Costa Coffee heavyweight Jinziex. Originating from Taiwan in 2006 and now headquartered in London, Gong Cha's partnership with Jinziex is a key part of its global strategy to hit 10,000 outlets by 2032, as reported by City AM. Jinziex, a nascent venture, is steered by a trio of industry experts: Diljit Brar of Goldex, Azha Rehman from Kaspa's Desserts, and Steve Falle, managing director at WY&SF Ltd. With a presence in 28 countries through more than 2,100 locations, Gong Cha currently operates 13 stores within the UK. Despite facing financial challenges as reported by City AM in September 2024, with sales declines in Korea, the US, and Australia, Gong Cha remains optimistic about its UK prospects. The first batch of Jinziex's Gong Cha stores are slated to open their doors in April, with locations including Sidcup, Gravesend, Romford, and Hornchurch. Paul Reynish, the global CEO of Gong Cha, expressed his enthusiasm for the UK market, stating: "Across Europe we continue to see fantastic interest from potential franchisees keen to bring the world's fastest-growing tea brand to their market." He added, "But where it mattered most to us was the UK, which is one of the most exciting markets for us globally." Reynish concluded with confidence in their new partnership: "After a careful selection process, we're delighted to partner with Jinziex – a proven and highly respected food and beverage franchise operator – who match our ambitions to become the clear bubble tea market leader in the UK. "As a market, the UK has huge potential for us. It's a market that is constantly evolving, ripe with innovation, and made up of consumers willing to try new and exciting products." "We firmly believe it is one of the most significant markets in the global F&B industry, and one of the reasons we relocated our global HQ to London in 2019." "Now, with our expanded footprint, we want to play a leading role in shaping the next decade of the UK's food and beverage industry, while cementing Gong Cha as a household name. We can't wait to show the UK how tea is meant to be." Diljit Brar, CEO of Goldex, added: "Gong Cha is a fantastic global brand with a truly unique customer offer that plays into the heart of changing consumer tastes and trends."

Fenwick says it has 'no plans for store closures' as it calls in restructuring experts

Department store retailer Fenwick has confirmed that it has no intentions of closing stores, despite restructuring experts assisting the business. The Newcastle-based firm has experienced losses in recent years and is currently changing the hosting of its website as part of cost-cutting measures. Consultancy firm AlixPartners is working with the chain, which now has eight stores across the country. Fenwick has been operating at a loss since 2019 and sold its Bond Street, London store in a £430m deal in 2022. Last year, management acknowledged that trading had been difficult due to the cost-of-living crisis - fuelled by inflation and high mortgage costs - and shifts in the retail market. Accounts for Fenwick Limited, covering the year up to January 2024, reveal the business reduced its pre-tax losses from £71.1m to £38.1m. At the same time, operating losses before exceptional items - encompassing property sales - decreased from £46.6m to £45.2m. Company executives have talked of their attempts to attract both new and existing patrons to the chain's sophisticated, multi-brand offerings throughout the UK. They have discussed strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency in their shops and supply chain, as well as returning to profit through a commitment to what they referred to as "retail basics" and protecting product margins, reports Chronicle Live. Following the closure and sale of its Bond Street location, Fenwick operates its flagship establishment in Newcastle, along with other sites in Kingston, Brent Cross, Colchester, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Bracknell, and York. The business has focused on distinguishing itself from its competitors by investing in customer service and hospitality experiences. In Newcastle, Fenwick’s "masterplan" has led to collaborations with North East staples such as Greggs and Barbour, plus Michelin-starred eatery Hyem, and the Mother Mercy cocktail bar. The business has also expanded its private-label merchandise dubbed Fenwick at Home products, alongside its own restaurant ventures Fuego and Mason and Rye. Last year, in Newcastle, it opened what it claims is the UK’s largest beauty hall outside London last year. Notably, Fenwick was criticised for its delayed response to the surge in online retail, initiating its web presence as late as 2019. Despite predictions for greater growth online, the company maintains that its brick-and-mortar outlets will continue to reign supreme in sales for the foreseeable future. After an unsuccessful attempt to bring former Harrods senior executive Nigel Blow on board last year, the reins of Fenwick have been taken up by family members Mia Fenwick, serving as executive deputy chairman, and Hugo Fenwick, in the role of retail managing director. It is believed that under their stewardship, the company has witnessed its most favourable six-month trading period in the past five years.

DFS upgrades profit expectations as credit deals and new products spur demand

Cost savings, interest free credit options and changes to product ranges have helped furniture retailer DFS to upgrade full year profit expectations. New interim results for the Doncaster-based chain, which has about 115 stores across the UK and Ireland, show reported pre-tax profits leapt from £15.8m in the 26 weeks to the end of December 2024, compared with just £900,000 in the same period of 2023. Underlying pre-tax profit was £17m, up from £8.2m the year before. DFS made the gains despite revenue falling 0.1% during the period to £504.5m, which was due to use of interest free credit offers to entice customers. Gross sales were up 1.4% to £675.6m. Bosses said product innovation and partnerships with brands such as La-Z-boy had pleased customers and range changes across the firm's Sofology brand - acquired in 2017 - had driven higher order volumes. Order intake growth was 10.1% in a market said to be in slight decline. Meanwhile cost saving efforts meant the business is on track to make £50m annualised savings by its 2026 financial year. Tim Stacey, DFS group CEO, said falling interest rates will reduce interest free credit costs, helping the firm on its way towards its gross margin target and pre-pandemic level of 58%. He also said falling interest rates would help demand - which is about 20% below pre-pandemic levels - to recover thanks to more house sales. The performance means DFS has upgraded expectations of profit before tax and brand amortisation to between £25m and £29m, providing there is no further supply chain disruption of the type experienced in the Red Sea. Mr Stacey said: "Our improved profit performance in the first half is testament to the strength of our customer proposition, the dedication of our colleagues and our collective focus on operational excellence, evidenced through increased market shares and customer satisfaction scores.

Goldie Lookin' Chain rapper launches new record shop venture

Rapper with the band Goldie Lookin’ Chain Graham Taylor has team up with novelist and presenter Gary Raymond to launch a new record shop business in Monmouth. With a mutual love for vinyl records the pair have opened Grinning Soul Records located at White Swan Court in the town. The new business has been supported with a micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales to part-fund the kit out of their shop and purchase stock. Having been close friends since their school days in Newport, Mr Taylor and BBC presenter and author Mr Raymond had a childhood ambition to open a record shop. Mr Raymond said: “Music fans come from all over the world to visit Monmouth as the home of Rockfield Studios, the legendary Welsh recording studios. Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded here yet there was no record shop in the town. Grinning Soul Records will give local people and visitors like the opportunity to buy traditional vinyl records that were made here in Monmouth. This is our childhood dream come true.” Donna Strohmeyer, investment executive with the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Gary and Graham are both passionate about music and have a great opportunity to capitalise on the booming vinyl industry and the international market created by Rockfield Studios. Indeed, Grinning Soul Records is already proving to be a popular hub for music lovers in the Monmouthshire area and beyond. It’s a great addition to the vibrant market town of Monmouth.”

Welsh footfall growth the strongest in the UK despite cooling on January

Retail footfall in Wales increased in February but at a slower rate than January, shows latest research from the Welsh Retail Consortium. Footfall, defined as shoppers entering a store, in February was up 2.% year-on-year (YoY) compared to a 8.5% rise in January. The rise in February was the highest of any nation or region of the UK, followed by the north west of England at 1.9% and London and the west Midlands at 1.8%. For England it rose by just 0.2%, while in Northern Ireland it was down 0.1% and Scotland 0.3%. The biggest fall was in Yorkshire and the Humber, down 3.5%. Shopping centre footfall in Wales YoY decreased by 1.5% in February, down from 8.6% in January. Retail park footfall increased by 2.9% in February YoY, down from 9.8% in January. Footfall in Cardiff decreased by 1.8% (YoY), down from 9.1% in January. Of the core cities of the UK the fall in February in Cardiff was only greater in Liverpool, down 2.5%, Bristol, 5.2%, and Leeds 5.6%. The biggest rise was in Birmingham at 5%. FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION GROWTH RANK NATION AND REGION Feb-25 Jan-25 1 Wales 2.7% 8.5% 2 North West England 1.9% 7.7% 3 London 1.8% 6.7% 3 West Midlands 1.8% 10.0% 5 South East England 0.4% 9.4% 6 England 0.2% 7.4% 7 Northern Ireland -0.1% 3.5% 8 Scotland -0.3% 1.0% 9 East of England -0.8% 8.5% 10 North East England -1.0% 6.8% 11 East Midlands -1.3% 6.4% 12 South West England -1.4% 7.9% 13 Yorkshire and the Humber -3.5% 3.3% TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY GROWTH RANK CITY Feb-25 Jan-25 1 Birmingham 5.0% 14.3% 2 Manchester 3.9% 10.3% 3 Edinburgh 1.9% 2.8% 4 London 1.8% 6.7% 4 Belfast 0.1% 4.8% 6 Nottingham -0.3% 6.7% 7 Glasgow -1.1% 1.9% 8 Cardiff -1.8% 9.1% 9 Liverpool -2.5% 3.2% 10 Bristol -5.2% 6.2% 11 Leeds -5.6% 1.0% Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said:“Shopper footfall across all Welsh retail destinations faltered in February, dipping over 5% compared to the previous month. That said, February still saw healthy year on year growth, the best of the four home nations. “Shopper numbers picked up substantially in the last week of February, no doubt helped by the late half term and start of spring weather, coinciding with the benefits of a St. David’s day uptick. “Confident consumers and buoyant household disposable incomes are critical to the health of the retail industry and all who rely on it, including our colleagues and our wider communities. As we approach the two-year anniversary of the Welsh Government’s retail action plan it will be time to take stock on what more can be achieved to cement the future of the retail industry in Wales. With an onslaught of additional government-mandated costs in the pipeline from April, bold decisions will be needed to help safeguard the sector and to help it flourish rather than falter in the years to come.” On the UK picture Andy Sumpter, retail consultant for Sensormatic Solutions, which carried out the research, said: “After January’s jump-start, retail footfall in February stalled, with retailers seeing a more modest improvement compared to 2024 last month. "While the good news is that shopper counts remained steady, many would have been hoping for a more substantial leap building off a strong start to the year. Retail Parks, consistently one of the top performers in 2024, once again outstripped other retail destinations in February, as the convenience and choice built into their retail offerings again proved popular with customers. " With Easter falling late and well into April this year, this will, undoubtedly, put added pressure on retailers as we head into March. To plug the gap, retailers have an opportunity to create compelling reasons to visit and enhance their offerings with greater convenience and choice, which have been the standout strengths of retail park performance.”

Bristol Clean Air Zone 'final blow' for historic family-run store

One of Bristol's longest-running shops will be shutting down in the next few months. Army surplus store Marcruss has blamed the introduction of the Clean Air Zone as the 'final blow' to its fortunes. The shop on Hotwell Road has been a staple for outdoor enthusiasts for decades, but is set to close its doors this summer. The family-run retailer has been under the stewardship of the Pinson family for more than 60 years, and even longer as an army surplus and camping equipment store. In a message shared on its Facebook page, Marcus Pinson and his family expressed their gratitude to customers throughout the years and made a final appeal for support to clear out the remaining stock. "It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of the difficult decision to close Marcruss Outdoors for the last time this summer," read the statement. "Unfortunately, the harsh economic climate has made it impossible for us to continue. Despite having weathered countless recessions and even the challenging lockdowns, the final blow has come in the form of the Clean Air Zone." The family conveyed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve their community, saying the shop was more than just a business but a place where they could offer "expert advice, exceptional customer service, and foster a sense of community". They added: "We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked here over the years. Their loyalty, commitment, and hard work have been the foundation of our success. We couldn't have reached the milestones we did without their dedication, and we consider both our customers and staff to be part of the Marcruss family. "As we prepare to close our doors, we kindly ask for your support in helping us clear our remaining stock. We have some fantastic bargains available, and we would love for our loyal customers to benefit from these final sales. "The closing of our doors will certainly be a loss, and we believe that the vibrant city of Bristol will feel a little less bright without us. Thank you for your support throughout the years. We will cherish the memories and are forever grateful for the opportunity to have served you." Marcruss was a traditional family store selling a wide range of outdoor clothes and equipment. Marcruss was born when Frank Pinson and his son Trevor took over an existing army surplus store in the mid 1960s. Set across three floors, it has four departments selling camping and ski wear, workwear and wet weather clothing and boots. On the ground floor, the most popular items were the ranges of army surplus and Airsoft guns and accessories. Trevor's sons Marcus, Russ and Adam took over from him. In the 1980s and 1990s, the family-owned nine shops across the West Country, stretching from Gloucester to Torquay, but consolidated to a single shop on Hotwell Road during the last recession. In 2022, with the impending Clean Air Zone in Bristol, which would impose a £9 charge on approximately 20% of vehicles entering the city, Marcus expressed grave concerns for his business. Speaking in May 2022, he said: "I think it could essentially kill us off because it starts from Ashton and unless people are allowed to come into this area, nobody's going to shop in here."