Features
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Jul- 2025 -25 July
What Sycamore’s $10bn WBA takeover means for the UK high street
A $10bn (£7.4bn) takeover of Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) by Sycamore Partners has been officially approved, with 96% of shareholders voting in favour. This decisive vote underscores the significance of the deal, which is poised to transform a major entity at the intersection of retail and healthcare. Expected to close…
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17 July
What will separate supply chain winners and losers in the years to come
For decades, logistics and supply chain operations have been the unsung heroes of commerce—efficiently humming behind the scenes, away from public attention. But in a world shaped by pandemic shocks, geopolitical tensions, and shifting consumer expectations, supply chains have stepped into the spotlight. For Emile Naus, Partner at BearingPoint, this…
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15 July
From darling to downfall: what went wrong at Seraphine
Seraphine, once the darling of maternity fashion, has collapsed into administration. Known for its stylish bump-friendly dresses and famously worn by the Princess of Wales during her pregnancies, the brand entered administration this July, shuttering operations and making most of its staff redundant. For a label that grew from a…
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15 July
Using AI to modernise CX in retail
The retail sector is at a crossroads. At a time when products and prices can often be easily matched, it is increasingly the customer experience that sets brands apart. Research has shown that companies that prioritise customer experience see revenues typically grow 4 – 8% above competitors1. Whether browsing in-store…
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9 July
Can generalist retailers survive in today’s retail environment?
Last month B&M posted results which saw its profit-before-tax fall 13.2% to £431m, with the company’s UK revenues falling 3.1% as a result of inflation. While the headline figures may appear troubling, the company remains optimistic about its future especially as it is embarking on an expansion drive. The bigger…
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8 July
Retailers vs. returns: is cracking down costing brands more than it’s saving?
Asos became wrapped up in another controversy in late June after the online giant, which shipped 67.2 million orders last year, confirmed it had closed the accounts of “a small number” of customers for returning more clothes than they kept. According to the retailer, this is in breach of its…
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Jun- 2025 -27 June
Has homeware become a fast fashion rite of passage?
This summer marks a bold new chapter in Primark’s retail journey, as the brand opens its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. Following the success of its debut Home concept in Belfast, this 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor space aims to bring the full breadth…
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19 June
The price of stars: what the DMCC Act means for fake reviews
At one point online reviews used to be a grey area, but with the arrival of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, the UK has taken a decisive step into a new enforcement regime. Fake reviews, paid praise, and review hijacking, which have long been brushed off as…
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10 June
Why the mood economy is shaping the retail landscape
Retail therapy is nothing new. For decades, shoppers have found comfort in the act of buying here and there to lift their mood, mark a moment, or simply to reclaim a sense of control. But lately something feels different in Britain’s buying habits, and it runs deeper than the occasional…
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10 June
The nostalgia trend: Why do companies revive old brands?
A cultural institution in the 90s, defunct in the 00s and making a comeback in the 20s. MFI Furniture is set to relaunch on the British high street after owner Victorian Plumbing revealed plans to relaunch the brand in early 2026, promising a refresh without the frustrations of long online…
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