Next Poised to Snatch Fat Face in High Street Mega Deal
Next is on the verge of a major takeover, set to snap up rival fashion chain Fat Face. If sealed, Next will add Fat Face’s 200 stores to its existing 500, solidifying a high street empire. Sky News reports the deal could be announced this week.
Next’s Shopping Spree: Building a Retail Powerhouse
- Next has been busy expanding, grabbing popular names like Joules, Made.com, and a bigger slice of Reiss.
- They also scooped up a stake in baby goods chain JoJo Maman BéBé.
- Earlier this year, Next bought floral fashion label Cath Kidston, though without its physical stores.
The goal? To bulk up its “Total Platform,” an online service package for third-party brands. Fat Face, struggling after Covid hit and taken over by lenders in 2020, could get a major lifeline if Next pulls off this deal.
Disney Slaps on Ticket Hikes at US Theme Parks
In other news, Disney is jacking up prices at Disneyland, California, and Walt Disney World, Florida. Ticket costs have jumped by nearly 9% at Disneyland, with holiday day tickets hitting $194. Annual passes at Walt Disney World climbed by up to 10%, with the top Incredi-Pass now costing $1,449 – up $50.
Disney’s park visits bounced back post-pandemic but are now feeling the pinch from the US cost of living crisis. The company recently offered short-term ticket discounts for kids to boost visits.
Big Spending Plans Shadow Disney Price Rises
This price hike is part of Disney’s whopping $60 billion investment plan for parks and cruises over 10 years. While some Wall Street eyes worry about the long-term returns, Disney is cracking down on password sharing and pushing to boost its revenues.
The new ticket prices are effective immediately. However, daily passes in Florida stay put, and Disneyland’s cheapest ticket remains the same after four years of steady pricing.
