“While many retailers went overseas to get cheaper good quality products, M&S stayed with British sources. Now, like everyone else, they source about 80% of their clothing from abroad.”
“It does seem very odd to have two [House of Fraser] stores at either end of Princes Street. There is an argument that says customers don't shop in a linear pattern along Princes Street, but you would still aim to concentrate on one good store, rather than two. The current set-up is very strange indeed.”
“There's a lot to be said for the motivational effects of the partnership bonus on levels of customer service. In the most recent round of figures, staff got about eight weeks' salary as a bonus. That's not to be sniffed at, and might explain why John Lewis still has a good reputation for service when you talk to people.”
