11/03/2002
Mobile phone industry reports declining sales
The mobile phone industry has experienced its first ever decline in sales, according to recent research which has reported overall consumer sales as slipping by 3.2 per cent.
The findings, published by Gartner Dataquest, showed that global mobile phones sales fell below the 400 million units mark during 2001, as saturation of the European market finally took its toll on an industry which found it hard to convince existing customers to part with their handsets in favour of more updated models.
The figures are in marked contrast to the industry's previously vigorous growth rate that saw sales increase by over 50 per cent year on year during the period between 1996 and 2000.
The industry has also had to battle against a growing second-hand market in developing countries, while closer at home, subsidies have been removed by telecoms operators, leaving companies with no choice than to up the cost of their services.
However, the report contained some good news for Nokia, which managed to improve its market share during the fourth quarter to 36.9 per cent, sales were helped by a timely Christmas promotion that showcased several new models.
Motorola stayed in second position, with a market share of 14.8 per cent.
(CL)
The findings, published by Gartner Dataquest, showed that global mobile phones sales fell below the 400 million units mark during 2001, as saturation of the European market finally took its toll on an industry which found it hard to convince existing customers to part with their handsets in favour of more updated models.
The figures are in marked contrast to the industry's previously vigorous growth rate that saw sales increase by over 50 per cent year on year during the period between 1996 and 2000.
The industry has also had to battle against a growing second-hand market in developing countries, while closer at home, subsidies have been removed by telecoms operators, leaving companies with no choice than to up the cost of their services.
However, the report contained some good news for Nokia, which managed to improve its market share during the fourth quarter to 36.9 per cent, sales were helped by a timely Christmas promotion that showcased several new models.
Motorola stayed in second position, with a market share of 14.8 per cent.
(CL)
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02 April 2002
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
22 March 2002
Figures show retails sales on the rise
UK retails sales have exceeded analysts' forecasts, according to the latest official figures which show sales volumes growing at their fastest rate since January 2000. The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.
Figures show retails sales on the rise
UK retails sales have exceeded analysts' forecasts, according to the latest official figures which show sales volumes growing at their fastest rate since January 2000. The data from the Office for National Statistics details that retails sales grew by 1.
15 January 2002
Tesco fail to match Sainsbury over Christmas period
Figures from Tesco have revealed that its Christmas sales growth failed to match that of archrival J. Sainsbury. Excluding takings from petrol stations, Tesco reported a 6.2 per cent rise in UK Christmas sales for the seven weeks ending on January 5 - compared to that of Sainsbury’s who had a rise of 6.8 per cent.
Tesco fail to match Sainsbury over Christmas period
Figures from Tesco have revealed that its Christmas sales growth failed to match that of archrival J. Sainsbury. Excluding takings from petrol stations, Tesco reported a 6.2 per cent rise in UK Christmas sales for the seven weeks ending on January 5 - compared to that of Sainsbury’s who had a rise of 6.8 per cent.
03 August 2001
Unilever announce first-half profit increase
Consumer goods giant Unilever have announced a 7 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits. For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits.
Unilever announce first-half profit increase
Consumer goods giant Unilever have announced a 7 per cent rise in half-year pre-tax profits. For the second quarter, Unilever, the name behind some of the best-known products on supermarket shelves - such as Persil detergent, Flora margarine and Dove soap - reported a higher than expected 54 per cent hike in profits.
20 December 2001
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
Business success relies on effective investment
According to the Department of Trade and Industry there is a positive relationship between effective capital investment (Capex) and company performance.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.