Department Stores
The latest news, updates and analysis on the department stores segment of the the UK retail industry. Sign up to the Daily Briefing and let Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Jun- 2021 -18 June
John Lewis appoints AlixPartners to conduct supply chain review
John Lewis has reportedly appointed AlixPartners to conduct a strategic review of its supply chain and buying habits. According to Drapers, the restructuring firm has been instructed to examine its supply chain and its buying practises, including intake margins, in order to see if it can save variable costs. The…
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11 June
Selfridges owners considering £4bn sale
The owners of Selfridges department store, The Weston family, are reportedly considering a £4bn sale of the property. According to reports first revealed by React News, the Weston family have been approached by an unknown buyer and have lined up Credit Suisse as advisers to explore a potential sale. It…
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10 June
DFS FY21 revenues climb 10.4%
DFS Furniture has revealed its revenues increased by 10.4% during the first 49 weeks of FY21 when compared to FY19 levels. In a trading announcement made ahead of the group’s full-year results on 27 June 2021, the furniture retailer claimed that it expects profit before tax for the period to…
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8 June
M&S partners with English heritage this summer
M&S has announced a new partnership with English Heritage to give customers 50% off at over 130 historic sites, properties and landmarks this summer. The partnership is the latest example of the retailers’ efforts to create a personalised loyalty programme with relevant offers, experiences and donations to causes. Customers will…
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May- 2021 -25 May
Wilko FY21 sales plummet £107m to £1.36bn
Wilkinson Hardware Stores (Wilko) saw its total sales drop 7.3% and £107.2m year-on-year from £1.47bn in FY20 to £1.36bn in FY21. Despite the fall in total sales, the homewares and household goods retailer’s EBITDA held steady for the 12 months ended 30 January 2021, declining from £48.5m to £48.3m. The…
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24 May
John Lewis chair calls for rates rethink to help ‘level’ up retail
John Lewis chair Sharon White has called for chancellor Rishi Sunak to scrap the business rates system in favour of a new land tax which could help “level up” the playing field when it comes to physical and online retail. Speaking to The Telegraph, White said that reform is needed…
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18 May
M&S reshuffles senior exec team amid new COO appointments
M&S has announced a reshuffling amongst its senior management team with both Katie Bickerstaffe and Stuart Machin becoming joint chief operating officers. Machin will continue in his role as managing director of food but also take oversight responsibility for operations, property, store development and IT. In addition, Bickerstaffe will give…
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17 May
Debenhams’ remaining stores close for final time
Debenhams shuttered its last remaining stores over the weekend, ending its 243-year stint on the UK high street. According to Sky News, the retailer closed its remaining 28 stores on Saturday 15 May as it completed its transition as an online only retailer as part of the Boohoo Group. It…
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13 May
John Lewis to reopen Edinburgh store following refurb
John Lewis has announced the reopening of its Edinburgh store on 14 May 2021 after the site has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment. The shop, which is located within the new St James Quarter, boasts a brand new range of services and experiences. This includes a beauty studio, personal styling…
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13 May
Dobbies to open two new London stores
Dobbies Garden Centres has announced it is to open two new ‘little dobbies’ stores that will open this year: Chiswick High Road and Westbourne Grove. The new little dobbies stores will be the first London locations, following on the success of Edinburgh and Bristol. The new sites will be stores…
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