Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Slains to close as mystery owners move in a year after controversial refurbishment
Slains will close this week as new owners take the helm just over a year after the venue underwent a major refurbishment.
Back in late 2024, the owners Stonegate Pub Company invested heavily to transform it into a modern venue, which divided patrons. In total Stonegate spent more than £200,000 on the refurbishment.
Now, just over a year later, they are selling Slains to a mystery new owner who will take over this month. In preparation for the takeover, Slains will close for two weeks beginning at close of business on Wednesday.
Shop price inflation slows, easing cost of living pressure
Shop price inflation eased in February as fashion, health and beauty retailers ramped up discounting.
The latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the lobby group, and NielsenIQ, the market research firm, showed shop price inflation increased 1.1% on an annual basis last month. However, this was down the 1.5% growth reported in January.
Further signs that inflation is slowing comes before the spring statement on Tuesday, with the Office for Budget Responsibility set to provide an assessment of the UK’s economic outlook and growth prospects.
TikTok trends and weight-loss jabs fuel Holland & Barrett sales surge
TikTok-led health trends and weight-loss jabs helped boost annual revenue at Holland & Barrett but store expansion and other investments dragged on the bottom line.
Anthony Houghton, the chief executive, said “more and more people are being triggered by social media” to buy into health and wellness-related trends, such as taking rosemary oil to combat cold-weather issues. This was benefitting the company, he said, but he added that there was a rise in shoppers who have “taken advice from social media [which is] not relevant to them”.
Another factor pushing sales at Holland & Barrett was a rise in the use of appetite-suppressing treatments, which increased demand for healthier snacks and drinks, as well as supplements to support muscle retention and manage gastrointestinal side effects.
Banchory hotel allowed to sell booze – despite underage drinking concerns
A Banchory hotel has been given permission to sell alcohol under temporary licences – despite complaints it had previously served drink to children.
RBD Bars Limited wants to sell booze at the Burnett Arms Hotel on the town’s High Street.
Director Munish Dheer applied to Aberdeenshire Council to be allowed to sell alcohol at events at the premises. But the request was questioned due to claims of underage drinking within the bar.