Features

How retailers can tackle ESG risks amid greenwashing crackdown

Starting from April, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) gains new powers to fine businesses for misleading greenwashing claims. With fines of up to 10% of global turnover or £300,000 for breaches, this crackdown underscores the rising importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risk management. Retailers, particularly those involved…

Read More »

The future of checkout: how retailers can win customers

In an era where convenience reigns supreme, UK consumers have developed a notoriously low tolerance for friction at checkout. The latest research from financial technology provider payabl. underscores just how critical a seamless payment experience has become.  According to the findings, 43% of shoppers across the UK, Germany, and the…

Read More »

How can a celebrity partnership help your brand?

Retailers partnering with celebrities to promote products is a technique as old as celebrities themselves. However, in an era where there is so much advertising and so many companies promoting things through celebrities or influencers, it can be hard to make your collaboration stand out. A good example of a…

Read More »

Is going private the next big trend in retail?

Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by the American private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal valued at up to $23.7bn (£18.3 billion). Around the same time, Pepco Group, owner of Poundland, received interest from potential buyers for its 825-store Poundland business in the UK. With major retailers opting for…

Read More »

How can a late Easter impact retailers?

Seasonal calendar moments continue to be crucial drivers for retailers. According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic data, total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped by 5.4% in March—an increase from the 0.2% decline in February—largely due to Easter falling in April this year, compared with March last year. This calendar shift…

Read More »

Spring Budget 2025: what it means for the retail industry

The UK retail sector has been navigating a volatile economic landscape, with rising operational costs, shifts in consumer spending, and policy changes placing unprecedented pressure on businesses.  The Spring Budget 2025, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, was highly anticipated by industry leaders, who had hoped for measures that would alleviate…

Read More »

Tesco’s free food trial: a game-changer in tackling food waste?

Tesco’s new initiative to give away close-to-expiry food for free is making waves in the UK’s retail and sustainability circles. With an increasing focus on food waste reduction, this trial could signal a significant shift in how supermarkets might handle surplus products.  But could this move from the UK’s largest…

Read More »

Topshop’s comeback: a boon for the high street?

Topshop is back. Once a beacon of British high street fashion, the brand has teased its return to reclaim its position in the retail landscape. But in an era dominated by digital-first brands, resale platforms, and evolving consumer habits, does Topshop have what it takes to thrive again? The journey…

Read More »

Why does Games Workshop never lose money?

Games Workshop was founded in 1975 and last posted a loss in 2007. This came after it had licensed the rights to make miniatures and a game using characters and stories from The Lord of The Rings but saw a decline in interest for the franchise. Since that point the…

Read More »

How hard is it to turnaround a legacy brand?

Britain has a long and storied history with retail having a number of companies which have been established for well over a century. However, in recent years many of these legacy brands have struggled, especially as retail has become so much about online. Many of these brands have had to…

Read More »