Podcast 24 – Stock, Shoeblast, and the decline of Christmas (pudding)

Listen to episode 24:

If you've got any feedback, or want to be featured on the show then send your thoughts to podcast@iwoca.co.uk or visit our insights page for content for small businesses.

Show notes

News

Christmas pudding sales slump in challenging festive period

• Sales of Christmas puddings were down 16% according to market research group Kantar
• Morrisons reported a fall in sales of 1.7% suggesting that consumers are now shopping elsewhere
• In the month before Christmas, Aldi reported a rise of 7.9% in sales and sold 55 million mince pies

From JD Sports to Games Workshop: best market performers of decade

• The Guardian has done some research on the best FTSE 100 market performers of the last 10 years
• A £1,000 stock investment in JD sports 10 years ago would see a return of £327,000 return today
• Rightmove saw a 1,230% increase, The London Stock Exchange rose 1130% and development companies also did well
• Tesco came at the bottom of the list with -21%
• Banks such a RBS and Barclays also suffered

Business spotlight

In this new segment, we look at unique business models and see why they work so well.

This week's business is Shoeblast! – the smart shoe care system

• They've created a gadget that stops old trainers smelling bad
• The Shoeblast deodorises, removes moisture and uses UV light kill 99.9% of fungus and bacteria
• In Jamie's words 'you stick this light-heaty thing into your shoe, and that eliminates the odour!'
• If you have a business that you think would be great for us to feature, let us know at podcast@iwoca.co.uk

Brilliant or bonkers

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.”

– Bruce Lee

Music: John Hall | Death of Lovers