Paving stone maker Marshalls gave an upbeat assessment for 2008 and said 2007 was in line with expectations.

Electricals retailer DSGi said full-year pretax profit may be up to £50 million below expectations due to weaker trading and a more cautious outlook for the year remaining.

A festive cheer failed to stop declining sales at wine warehouse chain Majestic.

Fashion retailer Next is confident of beating profit forecasts but warns of tough times during 2008.

The UK stock market may be going through a rough patch following the credit squeeze and worries about the economy, but 2008 is still expected to be a bumper year for mergers and acquisitions.

Coffee bar operator Coffee Republic said its first-half operating losses narrowed to £811,000 versus £886,000 last time.

Sports World retailer Sports Direct International (SPD) has revealed a near 70% drop in profit, after being hit by tough market conditions.

A retail entrepreneur could be preparing a joint bid with Icelandic investment group Baugur for department store group Debenhams after revealing a 7% stake in the business.

Music, DVD and books retailer HMV has reported narrowing losses driven by strong demand for computer games.

Floor coverings retailer Carpetright said bid talks with its founder are at an 'advanced stage.'