High Street
The latest news, updates and analysis on the the British High Street and 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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Sep- 2024 -27 September
Wacoal Europe acquires Bravissimo
Bravissimo has been acquired by Wacoal Europe, a lingerie and swimwear manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount. Wacoal owns brands Freya, Wacoal, Fantasie, Elomi and Goddess, most of which Bravissimo has been carrying for many years. Founded in 1995 by Sarah Tremellen, Bravissimo specialises in lingerie and swimwear in D cup…
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26 September
Poundland owner sales fall amid supply chain disruptions
Poundland owner Pepco Group has reported that like-for-like revenues fell 3.1% during the fourth quarter, as a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions affecting the “consistent and timely” availability of stock in stores. This comes despite Pepco’s group revenues for the 51 weeks to 22 September rising 10% on a…
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24 September
Card Factory HY profits fall 43% amid rising wages
Card Factory has reported that adjusted profits before tax fell by 43% to £14.5m in the six-month period to 31 July, due to “substantial” increases in National Living Wage as well as freight inflation and the phasing of strategic investments. This comes despite group revenues rising by 4.9% to £238m…
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20 September
WHSmith to open 37 Toys’R’Us ‘shop-in-shops’
WHSmith has announced that it is set to open 37 new Toys“R”Us outlets inside its stores. It comes after the retailer opened 39 locations resulting in 76 shop-in-shops in total across UK high streets. The next round of Toys“R”Us openings from WHSmith will start on Saturday 28 September, with Bexleyheath,…
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19 September
Next acquires 16% stake in homeware brand Rockett St George
Next has acquired a 16% stake in homeware brand Rockett St George, further furthering the partnership following the licensing agreement between the two brands. Rockett said the strategic decision represents a “pivotal moment” in the growth of their partnership and will see Next having a director on the Rockett St…
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17 September
Søstrene Grene hails ‘most successful financial year on record’
Søstrene Grene said it is celebrating its “most successful financial year on record” as its profit-before-tax increased 15% to £24m, during the year ending 30 April 2024. The news comes as Søstrene Grene reported a 22% increase in turnover, from £203m to £247m, alongside gross profits improving from £76m to…
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17 September
Pret A Manger FY global sales hit £1.1bn for first time
Pret A Manger has reported a 10% increase in first-half sales to £569m, whilst also revealing that global sales hit £1.1bn for FY23 for the first time, following its expansion into overseas markets. Pret confirmed that it achieved its medium-term growth target during FY23, which was set in 2021. The…
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13 September
Retail industry is overtaxed, says BRC
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has claimed that the retail industry is overtaxed compared with other sectors of the economy after new research found retail pays 7.4% of all business taxes (£33bn), a share 1.5 times greater than its share of the overall economy (5% GDP). The BRC said this…
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12 September
Shop closures rise to 38 per day in 2024
An average of 38 shops closed down each day in the first six months of the year, according to new research from PwC. The latest data shows that a total of 6,945 shops belonging to multiples and chains exited Great Britain’s high streets, shopping centres and retail parks – a…
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11 September
WH Smith group sales rise 7% amid strong travel growth
WH Smith has reported a 7% rise in group revenues and 5% rise in like-for-like sales for the 12 months to 31 August, driven by travel which was up 10%. The group’s travel category delivered strong growth because of category development and enhancing ranges, most notably in food and drinks,…
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