News roundup--Game, Boden, BrandAlley, more

Game may be bought by RBS after it is expected to be put into administration today. According to the Telegraph, RBS, one of Game’s six lenders, is “leading a plan to buy a stake in Game”. It also notes that some 6,000 jobs are at risk across the 600-shop chain if a rescue deal cannot be reached.

Although Boden has been available in the US for ten years, there has been a massive marketing push over the past 12 months, notes the Daily Mail. US sales now account for about 30 percent of Boden’s revenues worldwide. Last year, the company doubled the size of its warehouse in Pennsylvania, to keep more stock and fulfil orders more quickly. Boden now plans to treble its US turnover from $150 million (£95 million) to $500 million (£316 million).

Donald Brydon has been reappointed chairman of Royal Mail for a further three years.

The Daily Mail’s financial section reports that hardware chain Wilkinson has made a bid for household goods retailer Robert Dyas. According to the article Robert Dyas “is expected to fetch £25million--about the level of its debts”.

Also from the Mail, sales at online fashion retailer BrandAlley increased 60 percent to £28.9 million last year after it expanded its range to include spa deals and theatre tickets as well as apparel, accessories, beauty products and homewares.

Lovehoney was mentioned in the Sun this weekend with its “sexiest towns in Britain” survey. It is understood that Lovehoney is gearing up to launch an iPhone app later this week.

Following increasing family commitments, the owners of Beecroft’s Toys have decided to mothball mail order and online operations. Anne-Louise Game told CatEx DCA, she hopes “to resume trading in the future when we have enough time to dedicate to the business”.