Wincanton, one of Europe's biggest hauliers and logistics groups, has warned its businesses will be hit this year as shoppers shun the high streets, meaning shops are not restocking.

An appeal on behalf of the horseless

Swish yuletide table settings don't have to be posh or pricey. Don't buckle under peer pressure to panic-buy the White Company's entire window display on your credit card. Instead, press the consumerist pause button and think creatively...

Fears of a tough Christmas for retailers were fuelled by WH Smith yesterday as it revealed fresh pressure on sales of its books, stationery and sweets.

WH Smith; Air Partner

Still gliding serenely, or sinking in the retail slowdown?

WH Smith posted another fall in sales yesterday, but the magazine and stationery retailer said the pace of declines had eased. It added that its profit margins had improved as a result of cost-cutting.

It may be a British institution, but WH Smith was being praised for its potential beyond these shores last night as the high-street stalwart charged up the mid-tier index.

The new chief executive of Wincanton set out his plans for turning around the haulage company yesterday after its losses topped £25m.

Nothing demonstrates the impotence of the International Cricket Council more than the umpire decision review system (DRS). It has enhanced the accuracy of verdicts and the sense of theatre (while showing the general excellence of elite officials).

Richard and Judy have signed a five-year deal with WH Smith after their Book Club proved such a success for the firm - shifting around two million titles since its launch last year.