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.
-
May- 2025 -6 May
WH Smith buyer faces year-long ban from mass store closures
The new owner of WH Smith’s high street chain has effectively been banned from enacting widespread store closures for at least 12 months following the acquisition of the chain in March. According to Sky News, WH Smith would have the right to cancel a year-long transitional services agreement (TSA) with…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -28 April
Hilco Capital and Endless table offers for Poundland
Several potential buyers have reportedly tabled their offers to acquire Poundland, after the retailer has been hit by struggling sales and mounting losses in recent months. According to Sky News, Hilco Capital and turnaround investor Endless both set forth their respective proposal offers on Friday (25 April) ahead of a…
Read More » -
25 April
Hobbycraft set to close nine stores
Hobbycraft is set to close nine stores, a move affecting up to 126 jobs, as part of a restructure led by new owners Modella Capital, it confirmed to the BBC. The restructuring will also result in redundancies across its Bournemouth head office and distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent but it has…
Read More » -
25 April
Topshop to return to high streets through wholesale partners
Asos has signed agreements with a selection of wholesale partners to put Topshop back on the high street, the group has confirmed in its financial results released yesterday (24 April). While these deals will bring the brand back to brick-and-mortar retailers, Asos is still prioritising the relaunch of a standalone…
Read More » -
25 April
TOFS places hundreds of jobs at risk under new revival plans
Nearly 1000 jobs at The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) reportedly could be at risk as the company embarks on a survival plan which hinges on widespread rent cuts, according to Sky News. Modella Capital, the new owner of TOFS, has reportedly drawn up plans to renegotiate rents at 88 of…
Read More » -
23 April
Weston family secures robust returns amid strong retail performance
Wittington Investments, the parent company behind Primark and Fortnum and Mason, has reported increased profits across its retail portfolio, going against wider economic trends. The company, which is owned by the Weston Family, paid out £154m in dividends in the year ended 14 September 2024, up from £128m the year…
Read More » -
23 April
The Entertainer to launch in over 2,000 Tesco Express stores
The Entertainer is set to introduce a selection of its key toy lines to over 2,000 Tesco Express stores as part of an expanded partnership with the supermarket. From April 2025, the toy retailer will launch in 2,010 Tesco Express stores across the UK, with its selection of toys including…
Read More » -
22 April
Easter gives much needed footfall boost
The later timing of the Easter bank holiday weekend provided retailers with a much-needed footfall boost, with the number of shoppers visiting the high street up 15.7% compared with last Easter, according to the latest MRI Software data. In the week leading up to Easter, overall retail footfall remained flat…
Read More » -
22 April
Matalan secures £25m in funding for store and digital transformation
Matalan has announced that it has secured an additional £25m of funding from its anchor investors Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group and Napier Park. The retailer stated that the funding will be used to accelerate investment to support Matalan’s multi-year business transformation plan and the delivery of its strategy. This will…
Read More » -
22 April
New Original Factory Shop owner eyes major rent cuts as part of CVA
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) landlords could face a package of major rent cuts as its new owner aims to finalise plans for a CVA for the group, with potential store closure also featuring as part of the move. According to Sky News, Modella Capital is now preparing to unveil a…
Read More »
