Business quirkies

Business headlines at 02:25

Floods: 'Christmas Trade Has Been Taken Away'
Shop and cafe owners in a flooded Cumbrian market town have been dealt a devastating blow in the crucial run up to Christmas, a local business network has warned.

New High Street Trend For 'Pop-Up Shops'
Temporary shops, originally designed to create buzz around niche brands, look set to go mainstream as big chains like HMV get in on the act.

Sharp Rise In Number Of Vacant Houses
The number of empty homes in England reached its highest level for five years during 2008.

Another 2,000 Jobs Go As Off-Licences Close
Almost 2,000 off-licence jobs have been lost after administrators for collapsed retail chain First Quench announced the closure of another 381 stores.

Vicks Recalls Nasal Sprays In Health Alert
Thousands of Vicks nasal sprays are being recalled because of fears that they could contain dangerous bacteria.

SuBo's Dream Debut At Top Of Amazon Charts
Susan Boyle has made Amazon's Christmas dreams come true, with her new album becoming the online retailer's largest ever pre-ordered CD.

Skype Sold: eBay Seals Deal After Legal Row
Skype's future has been secured after owners eBay finally sold a large proportion of the company by settling a legal row over rights to the web phone call technology.

Nationwide's Half-Year Profit Down 60%
Nationwide has announced pre-tax profits of £117m for the half year ending September 30 - a 60% fall on last year.

Blair Loses Out To Van Rompuy As EU President
Tony Blair has lost out in the race to become the first President of the EU Council, with Belgium's Herman van Rompuy getting the job.

Fuel Hoard 'Not Pushing Up Petrol Prices'
A shipping specialist has dismissed claims that supplies of oil being kept in tankers off the UK coast are helping push up petrol prices.